After the extremely successful Iowa State women’s basketball season last year, ticket sales for 1999-2000 season are expected to increase drastically.

Ticket policies for the upcoming season were announced at a press conference on Friday.

One of the best ways to judge ticket interest is by season ticket sales, which have been shooting through the roof, said David Crum, ISU athletic ticket manager.

“People were willing to buy [season tickets for this year] halfway through [last] season,” he said. “The atmosphere has changed.”

Season ticket sales rose from 200 in the 1996-1997 season to about 1,100 for the 1998-99 season.

Crum said the recent success of the team will create a much greater market for selling tickets for next season.

“This is a window of opportunity because the demand is unprecedented,” he said. “Seating will be dictated by demand.”

Erin Rosacker, assistant director of Media Relations for the women’s basketball team, said there was such a demand to see the team play last year that “it was like opening the flood gates.”

Last year’s squad had a season record of 25-8 and finished runner-up in the Big 12 Tournament.

One of the draws for the women’s games last year was the $5 single game ticket price.

Ticket prices will rise slightly, but Crum said it is “important to keep it a cheap ticket.”

“We really want the student ticket holders there,” he said.

Crum said ISU students are first priority and are seen as a “window of golden opportunity.”

The 16-game student season ticket package is $15.

Public season tickets rose from $65 to $84 for the upcoming season, and faculty/staff season tickets increased from $60 to $76, which translates into $5.25 per game for public tickets and $4.75 per game for faculty/staff tickets.

Crum said ISU’s prices are probably comparable to women’s basketball ticket prices at other universities nationwide.

“It is important to keep a low-cost alternative for entertainment in the state of Iowa,” he said.

1998-99 season ticket holders will be guaranteed ticket renewals and will be able to keep their 1998-99 locations if renewed by Sept. 1.

New season ticket holders can purchase tickets beginning Aug. 2, starting at 7:30 a.m., but women’s basketball’s veteran fans won’t have to worry about camping out in line.

“If you’ve held season-tickets, don’t come and stand in line,” Crum said. “1998-99 season-ticket holders will be seated before new season-ticket holders.”

Kelly Cizek, a member of the team and a junior in journalism, said the fan support greatly helps the team.

“It’s an incredible feeling to run out on the court and see the stadium full,” she said.