ATHENS, Ga. --- Funds for the planning stage of an expansion of Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall and an increase in football ticket prices from $32.00 to $40.00 were approved by the University of Georgia Athletic Association Board of Directors at its regular quarterly meeting Thursday in Athens.

The Board approved $750,000 for the planning stages of what would become an expansion of Butts-Mehre, which was originally dedicated in spring, 1987. The approved funds would begin the planning and architectural work of the proposed project, the initial stages of which would expand the current weight room and training room, add meeting room space and a team walkthrough facility. It would represent the first phase of an expansion that would later create other additions to the facility.

“I’m very appreciative of the Athletic Board’s support of the Butts-Mehre expansion proposal,” said UGA head football coach Mark Richt. “The things included in the proposal are very important to the continued development of our football program and we’re excited about working with the Board and our athletic administration on bringing them to fruition.”

The current price of football games tickets has been $32.00 in recent years which ranks ninth among the 12 Southeastern Conference schools. The $40.00 price would move Georgia to sixth in the SEC for football single game tickets within the season ticket package. Georgia last raised its prices for season package tickets in 2002.

Visiting teams would pay a price consistent with what was charged to Georgia fans purchasing away game tickets. Single game tickets that become available on a game-by-game basis would be priced in most cases at $45.00 each.

In other Board action, approval was given to explore a land acquisition for housing new equestrian team facilities.