Tigers' athletic director Mike Alden: Despite Big 12's current stability, Mizzou belongs in SEC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Missouri Tiger fans are fired up for the upcoming football season -- including Mizzou athletic director Mike Alden.

Alden spoke to the Kansas City Tiger Club on Tuesday at the Westport Flea Market. The Tigers start their season Saturday at 6 p.m. against Southeastern Louisiana in Columbia.

For the first time ever, Mizzou has sold out tickets for its football season. The sellout number is estimated at about 46,500.

Plenty of buzz surrounds the Tigers’ inaugural seasons in the Southeastern Conference.

"That enthusiasm is probably heightened this year with us going into the SEC,” Alden said. “I think we’re ready to roll. We’re looking forward to big crowds this year.”

It won’t be long before MU plays its first SEC game. The No. 6-ranked Georgia Bulldogs head to Columbia on September 8.

“I don’t think there’s any marketing necessary for that game,” Alden said. “It’s going to be sold out and our first game in the SEC.”

The Big 12 conference appears strong and stable with new Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby at the helm. However, Alden said he did not think that Mizzou bolted for the SEC too early.

“We’re excited for the future of the Big 12. I’m pleased they identified the talent of Bob Bowlsby," noted Alden. "But the SEC is a great fit for Mizzou.”

The SEC has two teams ranked in the top five and five teams in the top 10. Missouri, on the other hand, isn’t ranked in the top 25. But Alden doesn’t believe Mizzou is in over its head.

“As a competitor, you want to measure yourself against the best in the country,” he said. “The SEC gives you a chance to do that.”