The Cyclone Marching Band is getting closer to the student body.

In an effort to improve the game-day environment at Jack Trice Stadium, the band is being moved from the south to the north-end zone, freeing 2,800 new seats for the 2006 football season.

“Making games fun is an initiative that our staff has embraced,” said Athletic Director Jamie Pollard in a press release.

Steve Malchow, senior associate director for communications, further explained the concept.

“We felt that moving our marching band closer to the student could possibly create some synergy that we haven’t had at Jack Trice [Stadium] in the past,” Malchow said.

The idea drew praise from coach Dan McCarney.

“Anything we can do to pack the house – to pack the Jack, to continue having a fantastic crowd – I’m all for it,” he said. “We set an all-time season ticket record last year. We ended up 5-1 at home . it has a lot to do with our success – there is no doubt about it.”

The department is looking to set another new record for season ticket sales. By filling the newly opened seats and renewing the 2005 ticket base, sales would eclipse 30,000.

Last year, Iowa State sold more than 27,000 season tickets.

“To reach the benchmark of 30,000 . would be a huge momentum builder,” Pollard said. “Selling out those seats would also bring us closer to creating the necessary interest to spark legitimate discussion of bowling in the south end zone in the near future.”

The increased seating will serve a dual purpose.

“Let’s face it: The more people we can get in [Jack Trice], A) the more it helps us with the bottom line and, B) creates a competitive advantage for our football team,” Malchow said.

Season tickets for the section will be sold for $99. Pricing is thought to be fair by the administration.

“It is a bargain you are going to have a tough time trying to beat,” Malchow said.

Cyclones.com will chart updated season ticket sales reports in the future. Iowa State’s home schedule consists of Toledo (Aug. 31), University of Nevada Las Vegas (Sept. 9), Northern Iowa (Sept. 30), Nebraska (Oct. 7), Texas Tech (Oct. 21), Kansas (Nov. 4) and Missouri (Nov. 18).