The Athletic Association received 2,000 more ticket requests for this season than it did last year.

“Over 2,000 more requests were filled this year,” said Tim Cearley, athletic promotions director. “More requests translate into more split packets (three tickets). We have seen an increase in demand not only from our students but our donor and faculty base this year.”

Increased demands are attributed to the preseason ranking that places the University’s football program in the No. 1 spot, he said.

With more than 22,000 student tickets processed, the ticket office prepared for the high volumes in advance. New procedures were used.

Climate control and line containment were a few issues that prompted change. But these changes were not the ones that caused a fury amongst a number of students: split packets to sophomores. These packages only include three home games.

Despite angry letters and phone calls, the University distributed some student football tickets Monday.

Students who qualified for all six home games trekked to Stegeman Coliseum late Monday to retrieve tickets.

Unlike previous years, students waited inside before getting their tickets.

“The lines move slowly, and it is frustrating,” said Norman Barnett, a second-year law student from Upatoi. “It seems like one of those ideas that works great on paper but not in real life.”

Graduate students like Barnett are considered in the number of qualified students if they have obtained University hours.

The Medical College of Georgia was represented as well, but data issues left some qualified students without tickets on Sunday. Arrangements to correct the mistake began Monday.

“The Medical College of Georgia students got consideration based on their qualifications,” Cearley said. “Those who qualified are being accommodated. Some data from the registrar’s office was not updated to show their University hours.”