Ticket sales are growing for the inaugural Freedom Blast at Rice Eccles Stadium at University of Utah. It's led by former producers of the Stadium of Fire, John and Sheri Whittaker.

John Whittaker said they weren't expecting a record-breaking crowd, but have come close to reaching their goal.

"Total tickets out are between 25,000 and 26,000," he said. "Our goal is to get to 30,000."

Their advertising plan of attack includes radio station spots and ticket give-aways, on-air promotions by local news channels and Web-site links.

"I think we're doing a good job," John Whittaker said. "Generally, when we start selling tickets, we hit it fairly hard then soften off. The last two to three weeks, we build it up, hit it really hard (again)."

Tickets for Stadium of Fire can be purchased at www.byutickets.com or calling 1-800-322-BYU1. Those interested in Freedom Blast can go to www.freedomblast.com or call 801-581-UTIX (8849).

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