Michigan had sold 14,662 of its allotted 17,500 Allstate Sugar Bowl tickets as of noon Thursday, the U-M ticket office told TheWolverine.com. U-M is expected to have a strong contingent of fans for the Wolverines' first BCS bowl game since the 2007 Rose Bowl.

Virginia Tech, meanwhile, has already sold nearly as many tickets as it did for last season's Orange Bowl, the Washington Post reported yesterday, but still lags significantly. Reports last night had the school selling 6,200, though sales have been brisk for such short notice, Virginia Tech's assistant athletic director for ticketing services, Sandy Smith, told the Post in an e-mail.

Virginia Tech's sales have yet to go public but will at noon, Friday. The Post reports that for last year's Orange Bowl against Stanford, the school only sold about 6,500 of its 17,500 allotment, with fans flooding secondary markets like Stubhub for cheaper tickets.

Demand is much higher this year, however, so fans choosing to go that route could be disappointed. Sugar Bowl tickets range from $120 to $180.

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Michigan's Victor's Club members planning to travel to the game have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Official University of Michigan Sugar Bowl Tailgate Party. Located adjacent to The Superdome, the Hyatt Regency New Orleans will be the spot for the pre-game event that will feature a full dinner buffet, cash bar, DJ, special guest appearances and giveaways.

The party will be held Tues., Jan. 3 from 4-6:30 central time in the Celestin Ballroom. Tickets will only be available through 5:00 PM on Friday, December 16. Those with questions can contact The Victors Club at (734) 764 - 7131.