LSU athletic officials breathed a collective sigh of relief after analyzing ticket renewals for the 2009 football season.The March 31 deadline for renewing season tickets prompted some anxiety about the program’s ability to withstand an economic recession while emerging from a disappointing 8-5 season.After an impressive bowl win and significant staffing changes, fans had several months to make pledges to the Tiger Athletic Foundation or contribute to the Tradition Fund for the right to renew seats.The data is in, and the Athletic Department and TAF apparently escaped the so-called “judgment day” with no signs of trouble. Renewal rates hovered just above 99 percent for TAF-controlled seating, which includes suites, club seats, East Upper Deck seats and 12 percent of the lower bowl and West Upper Deck seating. A 96 percent renewal rate was recorded for the approximate 45,000 Tiger Stadium tickets not controlled by TAF. Senior Associate Athletic Director Herb Vincent said though the rate was 99 percent last season, the 96 percent is on-par with typical rates after non-national championship seasons. The figure does not include tickets for students or visiting fans.The renewal rates were generally considered a best-case scenario given the uncertainty leading up to the deadline.”I was expecting a little bit of a dip … not a great deal,” said Maj. General Ron Richard, CEO of TAF. “I’m somewhat surprised that the renewal rate was so high.”Athletic Director Joe Alleva said in January he anticipated the renewals would show the recession’s impact. He expressed his “sincere thanks” Tuesday for the LSU fans’ high renewal rate.”We have the best fans in America, and they continue to support the Tigers even in these very tough economic times,” Alleva said.Richard and Alleva will soon have the chance to personally thank Tiger fans for opening their pocketbooks.The LSU Tiger Tour, scheduled to launch April 29 in Alexandria, provides a chance for LSU coaches and prominent officials to tour Louisiana and other Southern states while mingling with fans and seeking financial contributions.Richard said asking for money is always a sensitive subject.”People will just have to be a little more discreet in their decision making, in how they want to spend their disposable income,” he said. “So far, people that enjoy football have in fact indicated through the renewal process that it was something that was very high on their list.”Tour ticket prices vary by city but generally run from $50 to $100 a piece. Richard said Chancellor Michael Martin will speak about the Forever LSU campaign while LSU coaches will focus on their respective sports.But when it comes to addressing the economic cloud causing much concern, Richard plans to take the reins.”Probably I will be the only one to say, ‘Thank you so very much for what y’all can do. These times are not the best in the world,'” Richard said. “Renewals are up, and people are honoring their pledges. That’s all we can ask for.”- – – -Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]