Get in the Game

MU’s Taylor Hay third from left, celebrates the goal she scored in the 88th minute of the game against the Milwaukee Panthers, with her teammates, from left Kari Adam, Michelle Collins and Alysha Bonnick. Mizzou won the game 3-0; all the goals were scored during the second half.   ¦  Missourian File Photo

There is good reason to get a seat in Memorial Stadium for the 2008 football season. With last year's Border Showdown victory over rival Kansas, the Tigers were No. 1 for the first time in 47 years. This year, with the return of seniors Chase Coffman and Chase Daniel, there is a substantial possibility that the Tigers could be Big 12 champions. You won't want to miss it.

Although football is on your mind, don't forget about the rest of the MU teams. This past year Missouri finished 38th in the U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup standing. That means MU teams are finishing strong, the school's top "best-ever finish," according to the Mizzou Athletics Department Web site. Tiger baseball, softball and men's track and field had strong showings at the national level this spring. And women's soccer had its best season in its history during 2007, with a No. 5 national ranking.

But before you cheer for the Tigers, you need to get tickets. Here's how:

Football

The best bang for your buck is the Student Season Ticket Combo (SSTC). This replaces the All-Sports Pass. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone or in person at the Mizzou Arena ticket office for $220.

The pass gets you in to all six home football games and all home basketball games for the 2008-09 season. However, if you're only interested in Tiger football, the Football Only Season Ticket for $130 is a better choice, or single tickets are available as well.

It's first come, first serve, so buy early, particularly for this season.

There is a high demand for Tiger football tickets, says Steven Keers, media relations assistant for MU athletics. Buying tickets online is your best strategy for avoiding long lines at the ticket office or waiting on the phone.

If you're looking to cheer with your friends, you can buy tickets in a group through the Group Seating Packet. Designate a leader for your group, have him or her pick up a packet beginning Aug. 1 at the Mizzou Ticket Office, and return the completed packet by Aug. 28. Groups need to have a minimum of 10 students.

You'll be cheering in student seating sections, either in the General Student Section or on the Hill. The coveted Tiger Lair area near the front lines of midfield is the "official student cheering section." To get a seat, sign up at the MSA/GPC box office near the west entrance of Brady Commons. According to the Web site, there is a required fee this year, but the money will be used for giveaways and funding for travel to the Iowa State game.

Basketball

Again, the Student Season Ticket Combo for $220 is your best choice economically. Individual tickets can be purchased starting the beginning of September; pricing varies for each game and seating section.

Make sure you purchase a ticket in the east section if you want to cheer with other students. You'll be near the "Zou Crew," Student Athletic Board, the famous (or infamous) Antlers and the Mini-Mizzou basketball band. But really, there's not a bad seat in the house.

For all other sports

You can't beat this deal: Olympic Sports Student Ticket is no cost to you. Beginning with the fall 2008 season, you can get in free to all regular-season home events for soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling, women's basketball, softball, baseball, tennis, track and field, swimming, diving and golf. Any MU students with a valid ID can get in.