In the space of five months Sydney, Australia, could both take away from Hawaii sports and give it a launching pad.

The city will be playing host to the University of Hawaii’s first international football game Aug. 27, even as it seeks to spirit away the long-running Pro Bowl in 2017.

Both speak to the city’s growing curiosity with what they call “American football,” officials said.

“Interest in (the) American sport is at its highest level in Australia with the rise of Jarryd Hayne at the (San Francisco) 49ers capturing the nation’s imagination,” Stuart Ayres, New South Wales minister for sport, told the Star-Advertiser.

“There is also a growing interest in college football, which will only increase after the (UH and California) teams visit for a game later this year,” Ayres said.

UH officials, who returned from a site survey trip to Sydney this week, said they have been told that more than 40,000 tickets have already been sold for the Sydney College Cup at ANZ Stadium. The 83,500-seat facility in Olympic Park was a site of the 2000 Olympic Games.

“It is very impressive and the whole trip will make for a great experience for a lot of our young people, no question,” said associate athletic director Carl Clapp. Under NCAA rules, he said UH may take 105 players.

The contract with the promoter, TLA-ESP Pty Ltd., permits a travel party of up to 200, including cheerleaders.

“Sydney will be rolling out the red carpet to welcome players, staff, cheerleaders, bands and fans from both teams …” Ayres said.

Last month UH said it received the first $187,500 installment of a $750,000 guarantee from the promoter, who is also contracted to furnish airfare and six nights’ hotel accommodation.

“It is a massive Australian first — we’ve never had an NCAA football season opening competition match played here before and tickets are selling fast to fans around Australia and the world,” Ayres said.

A Sydney spokeswoman said ticket prices start at the Australian equivalent of about $50.

Ayres said, “The match will also provide a huge boost for (Sydney) tourism and is expected to attract more than 15,000 domestic and international visitors to the state, an influx which is expected to inject more than $19 million in visitor expenditure into the local economy.”

UH said it has sold or distributed nearly 1,500 tickets so far.

UH athletic director David Matlin said the school will take coaches from more than a dozen sports in a campaign to build a recruiting base for athletes and regular students from Down Under. “Traditionally, UH has been fortunate to welcome many student-athletes from Australia and we hope this game opens doors for many more,” Matlin said.

Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO George Szigeti told a state Senate hearing Friday the HTA and UH are working together “on openings” to use the game to promote tourism to Hawaii. “We see this as a partnership possibility,” Szigeti said.