In light of the Memorial Stadium renovation and the signing of a top ten recruiting class, the Illinois men’s football ticket office annouced Wednesday a 10,000-plus increase in season-ticket sales.

The increase reflects the student sections move to the north endzone. That portion of the stadium is in the process of a complete reconstruction, while the old student seats near midfield on the east sideline will be overtaken by new patrons.

“The 10,000 figure is a milestone and a great point of pride for us,” Assistant Director of Athletics for Sales and Marketing Chris Hanna said in a press release. “Our fans are truly helping to take this program to another level. Memorial Stadium should be electric this fall.”

Only Rutgers University booked more new season-ticket holders, adding 12,000 after a story-book season in 2006.

Season tickets are still on sale for the the sidelines and the extended horseshoe and will remain on sale until kickoff of the Illini’s first game, an in-state showdown with Western Illinois on Sept. 8.