The University is doing its best to make sure the student section is full for the Gophers season opener this Thursday.

The school will give each of the nearly 5,500 new students a free ticket to the game and an $8-dollar concession voucher.  The students will also get rally towels.

“The main goal is to introduce new students to Gopher athletics during their first week on campus,” University spokesman Steve Henneberry said.

The students will arrive at the stadium about an hour before the 6 p.m. kickoff, he said. Though the game is not a required Welcome Week event, Henneberry said he expects it to be well-attended.

About 5,500 tickets are still available, according to the Gophers ticket office.

The team plays Nevada-Las Vegas, whom it beat in triple overtime last season.