Empty seats are a scene thousands of football fans in Jacksonville know well. And now the University of Florida needs some of its alumni to step up and buy tickets.

UF has launched an ad campaign for ticket sales for the 2012 season.

One Gator fan said he can't remember seeing a ticket ad campaign since "maybe the '70s or early '80s."

For fans who are anything like Bill Meyer, this new campaign might take them by surprise.

"I haven't tried to go in years ... because it's always too crowded," said Meyer, a UF alumnus.

But that's not as much the case now, which is why UF athletics spokesman Steve McClain said UF has launched a TV ad promoting Saturdays at The Swamp.

"I think what we are trying to do is just make sure that fans know that they are available," McClain said of tickets. "It is not highly unusual to have tickets available."

The ad doesn't specifically ask fans to buy tickets, but it does post its ticket sales information. GatorZone.com is also advertising on the Florida Times-Union's website.

This year, season ticket sales are down 250 from what they were last year. Some of those are prime seating near midfield and on the shady side.

The university says it attributes that dip to the new generation of fans who may not buy tickets when they can watch it just as easily on TV.

Fans like Herbert Roziers have another theory.

"I go every year. I love 'em to death, and I go every year, but you have the people that don't and they aren't true fans," he said.

To watch the full ad and for more information on UF football tickets, go to GatorZone.com.