With 43 days still remaining before the Chanticleers' football season opener September 1 vs. North Carolina A&T, the Coastal Carolina University Department of Athletics is in full gear rolling out its new fan experience initiative: "54-in-54." Designed from feedback received at several "fanimars" held on the CCU campus throughout the spring semester, "54-in-54" addresses, in detail, every aspect of the football game day experience, from buying a ticket to in-stadium music. With a theme based on the founding year of the University (1954), the new plan commenced "54" days out from the season opener with new fan recommendations being implemented each day.

The initiative has already shown results in terms of season ticket purchases. As of the annual renewal deadline for existing football season ticket holders, Chanticleer football season tickets are pacing ahead of last season, which includes an increase in the premium "Teal Zone" section. Football suites are already sold out. To date, season ticket sales are 213 ahead of last year, with 1,599 season tickets sold compared to 1,386 in 2011. This translates to a 35 percent increase in revenue from last season at this same time.

Basketball season tickets sales, which were made available at the earliest date in program history, have also shown an upward trend, with 603 seats sold so far in the new Student Recreation and Convocation Center, outselling the number of seats that were previously available in Kimbel Arena.

"During the football off-season, we made an exhaustive effort through online surveys to give our fans unprecedented access to the game day planning process," explained CCU Senior Associate Athletics Director Mark Payne. "We cataloged all of their suggestions and ideas and are now activating the majority of those recommendations. Not only will our devoted fans be able to enjoy an enhanced game day experience, but they can feel ownership for the fan experience when they see new ideas implemented, thanks to their contributions," concluded Payne.

Coastal Carolina's athletics ticket office continues to take season ticket orders, which includes the new location for the Family Zone seating area. For more information on 2012 CCU football season tickets, contact the athletics ticket office at 843-347-8499. For media inquiries, contact Mike Cawood at 843-349-2822.