As officials at Kansas Athletics Inc. line up Jayhawk boosters to finance a $34 million Gridiron Club and pump another $40 million into academics, they’re working to keep less well-to-do fans in the game plan.

The department this week launched its “Kansas Stimulus” program, allowing fans to buy various ticket packages while waiting up to six months to pay.

The program is the latest this year in a lengthening list of ticket combinations and plans lined up to help get crimson-and-blue faithful in the seats without breaking the bank.

“We’re just trying to make it as convenient and as affordable as possible to attend KU events,” said Jim Marchiony, an associate athletics director. “I think we’ve been more proactive in terms of developing packages that make it more affordable, and taking advantage of all available technology to allow more flexible payment schedules.

“We know that the economic situation has affected everybody.”

Specialized packages entered play in August and continue today. Early plans offered partial season tickets that combined early nonconference games with selected Big 12 battles, ones typically in highest demand. A Saturdays in September package provided four tickets for $100.

Such deals have been successful in football, Marchiony said. The department recorded a sellout for the home opener and this Saturday’s game against Southern Mississippi.

“Those kinds of packages have been very popular, and so we’ve got to keep coming up with them,” he said.