Michigan saw quite the turnaround with its ticket sales following the hiring of Jim Harbaugh a year ago. It appears another Big Ten program is benefitting from some positive vibes following a recent coaching hire as well.
Just days after announcing the hiring of new head coach Lovie Smith, Illinois claims to have sold over 2,000 new season tickets for the upcoming football season.
“In the last 48 hours, the Fighting Illini Ticket Office has sold over 2,000 new season tickets for the 2016 football season,” a statement from the Illinois athletics department says. “The popular I Fund Family 4-Pack – which included 4 season tickets and a $50 I Fund membership for $249 – are sold out, but there are still many ways for Fighting Illini fans to jump on board.”
It was believed the hiring of the likable Smith, a longtime head coach of the Chicago Bears, would generate some positive energy about the stagnant Illini football program, and clearly the results appear to be suggesting Illini fans are ready to show their support for Smith in 2016.
