Dec. 19, 2012

OXFORD, Miss. – College football’s most passionate fanbase is flexing its muscle this postseason, as Ole Miss leads the SEC and is among the nation's leaders in bowl tickets sold.

The Rebels’ athletics ticket office distributed 23,381 for its matchup with Pitt in the BBVA Compass Bowl Jan. 5 in Birmingham. That number does not include the many Ole Miss fans that purchased tickets through the bowl and other ticket agencies.

With the university closing its doors for the holidays, Ole Miss’ ticket office has ended its sales. However, the bowl will continue to take ticket orders while available through gameday at www.bbvacompassbowl.com.

The bowl’s attendance record is 42,610 from 2010, when South Carolina faced UConn.

“We expected Rebel Nation to come out in full force for the BBVA Compass Bowl, and we could not be prouder of the crowd we will have in Birmingham,” said Athletics Director Ross Bjork. “This outpouring of support only furthers the momentum of our football program and our reputation as one of the most attractive bowl teams in the nation. The challenge to Rebel Nation to break the BBVA Compass Bowl attendance record has been heard loud and clear.”

Ole Miss sold its initial ticket allotment of 10,000 in just two days before requesting and receiving an additional surplus from the bowl. Ole Miss also agreed to accept a portion of Pitt’s ticket allotment and sold 5,556.

This year’s support of the BBVA Compass Bowl continues a tradition of strong postseason attendance by Rebel fans. Ole Miss distributed 21,012 tickets for the 2009 Cotton Bowl and 14,749 for the 2010 edition.

The Rebels are making their 34th all-time bowl appearance, which is tied for 19th in college football history. Ole Miss boasts a 21-12 record in bowls, with the 21 wins 13th-most all-time.