UL Ticket Sales NOLA Bowl Down From Previous Years

UL ticket sales for this year's R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl are lagging a bit compared to past postseasons. The university says the school has sold about 11,000 tickets for this year's game.

According to Ragin' Cajuns athletic director Scott Farmer the current ticket count "is down a little bit, not a whole lot" compared to this point in previous years.

“I hope to have a strong week this week so we can catch up to our record,” he said.

According to UL, here are the ticket sales through the university for each of the NOLA Bowls:

2011 vs. San Diego State -- 18,800 tickets
2012 vs. East Carolina -- 23,000 tickets
2013 vs. Tulane -- 21,000 tickets

The bowl has enjoyed record crowds of 42,841 in 2011, 48,828 in 2012 and 54,728 in 2013.

So what is hurting tickets sales? It seems to be a few factors. Perhaps fans are getting a little "tired" of going to the same bowl in the same city.

According to Scott Farmer, the start time might have a little something to do with it.

“Ten o’clock is not the best time, probably,” Farmer said.

“And I think the (New Orleans) Saints playing (an NFL game) the next day has hurt the hotel situation a little bit. So it’s a little bit more expensive, and some of (the hotels) have a two-night minimum, some have a no-cancellation policy.

“I think probably all of those things together,” he added, “have added up to hurt us.”

As a result, Farmer is encouraging Cajuns fans to drive in and drive out for the game.

By the way, you can purchase your tickets at Bowl Central through RaginCajuns.com, at the Cajundome box office or by calling 337-265-2170.

[The Daily Advertiser]