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Fans should expect a kinder, gentler game day experience at University Stadium.

University of New Mexico officials responded to complaints about unruly fans during the Lobos' game against New Mexico State on Sept. 8 by eliminating standing-room only tickets for football games.

Fans previously were allowed to sit on grass hills on the south side of the stadium, allowing the school to exceed the stadium's previous maximum capacity of 38,634. In 2005, the Lobos' game against New Mexico State set a school record for largest crowd with 44,760 fans in attendance.

University Stadium's new maximum capacity will be 40,094, with 38,768 seats available and 1,326 game-day workers taking the remaining spots.

"Our top priority has to be to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all of our fans," UNM Athletics Director Paul Krebs said.

The Lobos-Aggies game was a perfect storm for overloaded security personnel, with 41,033 fans packing the stadium. An unprecedented number of fans purchased tickets two hours before kickoff. A surge of students and fans crowded the east side of the stadium, where there were numerous complaints about fights.

"We are making changes because we don't want any problems to overshadow a wonderful experience for fans and a great performance by our team," Krebs said.

He said the university will be making several other changes most fans won't notice. The school plans to beef up its security and enhance shuttles for fans using handicap parking on the west side of The Pit. Krebs also said the school is considering letting students into the stadium early to reduce the bottleneck near their seats on the west side of the stadium.

"This isn't unlike a football coach looking at game day film and making adjustments," Krebs said. ". . . We just want to give fans the best experience possible."

Smith mourning: Senior wide receiver Marcus Smith's mother died during the weekend, and his status is unknown for Saturday's game.

UNM head coach Rocky Long said Smith has been attending practices, study hall and classes after learning of his mother's death.

Long said Smith's uncles in San Diego, Calif., are making funeral arrangements. If the service conflicts with the game, then Smith will not play. If the service is held until next week, then Smith is expected to play against Sacramento State.