'The Hunger Games' Sets First Day Advance Ticket Sales Record on Fandango

Lionsgate's franchise-launching thriller The Hunger Games has set a new record for first-day advance ticket sales ahead of its March 23 release, according to Fandango. Advance tickets went on sale Feb. 22, when sales broke the previous record held by The Twilight Saga: Eclipse in May 2010.

Hundreds of showtimes have already been sold out for Games, an adaptation of Suzanne Collins' bestselling young adult novel. Gary Ross has directed, with Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson starring.

PHOTOS: The Hunger Games Official Character Posters “

The Hunger Games is off to a fantastic start,” said Fandango executive vp and general manager Rick Butler. “Yesterday we saw the biggest first day advance ticket sales in our company’s nearly 12-year history – which is especially impressive for a March release and a non-sequel.”