UH hoops attendance levels out in 2012-13

Ticket revenue and attendance were mostly flat for University of Hawaii men’s basketball this season after the sharp growth of head coach Gib Arnold’s first season.

According to unaudited athletic department figures, turnstile attendance dropped by an average of 20 people per game, while ticket revenue rose by less than one percent overall.

An average of 3,938 fans per game attended UH games this season, producing $873,806 in ticket revenue, approximately eight percent below budget projections.

It came on the heels of a 19-13 finish in 2011-12.

"This year’s (16-16) record would be conducive to these type of numbers," athletic director Jim Donovan said.

Arnold’s first season produced a 38 percent hike in attendance that helped propel season-ticket sales this year to $676,400. But a late-season five-game losing streak was credited with slowing the purchase of individual game sales.

Figures do not include the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, which is owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television.

Donovan said he is hopeful for next season’s sales "based upon the fact we’ll have four players that have significant playing time back next season." Vander Joaquim, Joston Thomas, Trevor Wiseman and Hauns Brereton all started 14 or more games this season. "In my history with men’s basketball, if the record starts out well, attendance can increase substantially," Donovan said.

Meanwhile, turnstile attendance for women’s basketball rose by an average of 48 people per game to 761 this season, while overall ticket revenue dropped $5,589 to $40,920.

"I’d say a large part (of the attendance gain) was due to the relationships coach (Dana) Takahara-Dias established in the community," Donovan said. Takahara-Dias was fired at the end of the season.