The Red River Rivalry had hundreds of students rolling out of bed well before their earliest classes Tuesday.

Students bombarded soonersports.com Tuesday when tickets to OU’s annual football game against the University of Texas went on sale at 7 a.m.

Tickets were sold out within four hours, according to Kenny Mossman, director of communications for OU’s Athletics Department.

Although the 11 a.m. sell-out time didn’t break any records, Mossman said student interest in football has been high this season.

“We have had several years in which we sold out more quickly, although we have seen renewed energy this year among the students relative to football tickets, and we’re very encouraged,” Mossman said.

It’s already been a good season for the Sooners, who have scored 102 points in two games at home. But Mossman said OU-Texas is a special event, even for students who love watching games at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

“The atmosphere of the game is what sets it apart from other sporting events,” Mossman said.

But for some students, going to the game isn’t logistically possible.

Ballet sophomore Emily Dyson said she wanted to go to the game but didn’t know whether she would have rehearsal that weekend.

Dyson said she is making the trip to Dallas this year, but did not buy a ticket because she was unsure of her schedule.

Chris Murray, philosophy and political science senior, said he has never attended the OU/Texas game.

“I guess I’m not upholding the Sooner tradition,” Murray said.

But he said he is going to take part in the annual pilgrimage south this year after buying an OU-Texas ticket Tuesday morning. This year’s trip will be Murray’s first time to make the trek to Dallas, he said.

The SoonerSports Web site makes it simple to purchase tickets straight from home, Murray said.

“There was no way I was going all the way to the ticket office,” he said.

Students have the option of either going to the ticket office or purchasing their tickets online, Mossman said.

Although some students complained of having difficulties with the Web site, Murray said he had no problems.

While buying online is the preferred choice, the ticket office is always open for those who do not have a computer, Mossman said.

With computer labs available on campus, most students have access to a computer. But talking to someone at the ticket office is useful for students with questions, Mossman said.