Almost all available tickets for the upcoming men’s basketball season have been sold, the athletic department announced Thursday.

Season-ticket buyers snatched up every available seat in Assembly Hall, perhaps encouraged by the Illini’s high expectations for the season.

“This happened three years ago when our preseason ranking was second,” said Kent Brown, men’s basketball sports information director. “We thought there was a good chance it would happen again, given the high ranking of the team.”

The only remaining seats are for the six games that fall when classes are not in session.

Those tickets, reserved for students at all other games, will go on sale Nov. 6 at 9 a.m.

Tickets for the Oregon game at the United Center will be available Nov. 8 at noon through the United Center box office and Ticketmaster.

“Expectations are sky-high, but I think the community and basketball fans are excited to get the season started,” Brown said.

Illini fans can get their first taste of both the men’s and women’s basketball seasons tomorrow. Illini Basketball Madness will be held at Assembly Hall a half-hour after the football game.