The playing surface of Aloha Stadium will become known as "Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium" under an agreement announced today by the airline and stadium.

Terms of the multi-year deal were not announced but are expected to be in the range of five years for $2.5 million, people familiar with past discussions have said.

The new artificial surface is part of the sponsorship agreement between the airline and Aloha Sports Properties, the facility’s advertising representative.

In addition, Hawaiian said it will help fund University of Hawaii travel costs.

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO said, "We are pleased to use funds from our marketing budget to contribute to these much-needed improvements and increasing our support of the home team at UH."

High school football begins at Aloha Stadium Aug. 11 and UH opens its football season Sept. 3 against Colorado. 

"We appreciate Hawaiian Airlines coming forward with its sponsorship of this outstanding new field," said Scott Chan, Aloha Stadium manager.