Season ticket prices have been set for Nebraska's eight-game home schedule in 2002.

Tickets for the eight-game package in 2002 are $350, an increase of $10 from last year's season ticket ($340 for eight home games). Texas and Colorado are $55 each; Arizona State, Missouri and Kansas sell for $45 each; while Troy State, Utah State and McNeese State are each $35 tickets. The average cost per home game is $43.75, $1.25 more than last season, an increase of less than 3 percent. Faculty/Staff season tickets cost $280, while full-time UNL students may purchase season tickets (while supplies last) for $175 each.

Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Byrne said the increase, while slight, will help make up the difference in tuition and fees which go into effect in August 2002. Tuition for all UNL college students will increase 10 percent beginning in August, which directly affects the Nebraska athletic department budget because the department pays tuition and fees for approximately 275 scholarships for student-athletes annually.

"We continue to take a close look at our athletic budget to make sure it remains totally self-supporting," Byrne said. "The athletic department does not receive student fees or tax support, and we must make sure that our revenue will meet the needs of our expenses. The slight increase in our ticket prices will go a long way toward meeting the tuition increase. We are pleased to be able to bring our fans eight home games again this season. We feel we have an excellent home schedule with several games having Big 12 and national championship significance."

The Huskers are again sold out, continuing an NCAA-record sellout streak that hit 247 at the end of last season. The Utah State game on Sept. 7, 2002, will be Memorial Stadium's 250th consecutive sellout.

John Anderson, Director of Ticket Operations, said season ticket renewal invoices were to be mailed Friday, April 5, with a May 3 deadline. Fans are also encouraged to renew their season tickets on-line, by going to the official University of Nebraska athletic department website, huskers.com. Fans renewing on-line have the chance of winning one of three prizes, including two season football tickets, airfare and game tickets for two to the Penn State game on Sept. 14, 2002, and a wireless telephone with National Freedom calling plan provided by Alltel. All ticket holders renewing on-line will receive a coupon for 20 percent off a single regular-priced item from Huskers Authentic, Nebraska's official team store.

For the second consecutive season and just the fifth time in the history of Husker football, Nebraska's 2002 football schedule features eight home games. Nebraska also played eight home games in 1903, 1904 and 1905. For the first time in Husker history, Nebraska has 13 regular-season games on the schedule. In 2002 and 2003, the NCAA is allowing all collegiate football teams to play in a 12th regular-season game, because there are 14 available Saturdays between the last Saturday in August and the last Saturday in November.

The Aug. 31 Troy State and Sept. 7 Utah State games are slated for evening kickoffs, providing they do not get changed because of television. The night game should ensure a cooler kickoff time to accommodate Husker fans. Nebraska also plays host to McNeese State on Oct. 5, a Division I-AA team added in March of 2002, Missouri on Oct. 12 and Kansas on Nov. 9 for Homecoming. Nebraska's home schedule is highlighted by a Nov. 2 contest with Texas, the last team to beat Nebraska in Lincoln and Colorado on Nov. 29. Both Texas (Holiday) and Colorado (Fiesta) participated in bowl games in 2001.

Three games have already been picked for national television audiences, including Arizona State on Aug. 24 at 6:45 p.m. (ESPN), Penn State at 7 p.m. Central (8 p.m. Eastern, ABC) and Colorado at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 (ABC). The Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Dec. 7 will also be broadcast by ABC from Houston, Texas. Nebraska is slated to open its season with three night games for the first time in Husker history.

Special events have also been determined for the 2002 season, with the Nebraska Hall of Fame members being honored on Aug. 31 (Troy State); Alumni Band on Sept. 7 (Utah State); Special Olympics on Oct. 5 (McNeese State); Red Cross Day on Oct. 12 (Missouri); Homecoming and a Salute to Veterans on Nov. 9 (Kansas); and Toys for Tots and Senior Day on Nov. 29 (Colorado).

Aug. 24 Arizona State (BCA) Lincoln 6:45 p.m. ESPN $45

Aug. 31 Troy State Lincoln 6 p.m. TBA Hall of Fame $35

Sept. 7 Utah State Lincoln 6 p.m. TBA Alumni Band $35

Sept. 14 at Penn State University Park, Pa. 7 p.m. ABC TBA $42

Sept. 28 at Iowa State# Ames, Iowa TBA TBA $45

Oct. 5 McNeese State Lincoln TBA TBA Special Olympics $35

Oct. 12 Missouri Lincoln TBA TBA Red Cross $45

Oct. 19 at Oklahoma State Stillwater, Okla. TBA TBA $50

Oct. 26 at Texas A&M College Station, Texas TBA TBA $45

Nov. 2 Texas Lincoln TBA TBA $55

Nov. 9 Kansas Lincoln TBA TBA Homecoming/Veterans Salute $45

Nov. 16 at Kansas State Manhattan, Kan. TBA TBA $45

Nov. 29 Colorado Lincoln 2:30 p.m. ABC Toys for Tots/Senior Day $55

Dec. 7 Big 12 Championship Houston, Texas 7 p.m. ABC TBA

Note: All times are subject to change. Beginning in October, Nebraska's non-televised home games will kick off at 12:30 p.m., Troy State (Aug. 31) and Utah State (Sept. 7), are scheduled for 6 p.m. kickoffs