Gophers’ Citrus Bowl Tickets Off to Fast Start

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Ticket sales are off to a fast start for the Minnesota Gophers' first New Year's Day bowl game in 53 years.

More than 2,500 tickets were snapped up in just one day of sales for the Citrus Bowl. Compare that with the 3,400 total tickets sold for the Texas Bowl last year.

The Gophers are allotted 9,000 tickets. Athletic director Norwood Teague says bowl organizers will help Minnesota get more tickets if needed. Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Florida recently underwent a $200 million renovation that expanded the nearly 80-year-old stadium to a capacity of 65,000.

Gopher fans traveling to Orlando could see some steep air fares. A Dec. 26 departure and a Jan. 2 return to Minnesota will run you about $800 roundtrip.