Despite its early-season chaos, the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team might still come close to meeting revenue projections, athletic director Ben Jay said.
With four home games remaining, UH estimated it has taken in $813,364 in ticket revenue.
The projection going into the fall was for $1,040,000 and came prior to the Oct. 28 dismissals of head coach Gib Arnold and assistant Brandyn Akana. Subsequently, two players, including preseason all-conference pick Isaac Fotu, left the team.
‘BOWS AT BOX OFFICE
UH men’s basketball ticket revenue
| Season |
Revenue |
| 2014-15 |
$813,364* |
| 2013-14 |
$998,164 |
| 2012-13 |
$954,727 |
| 2011-12 |
$918,318 |
| 2010-11 |
$885,037 |
* — Estimated with four home games remaining. Source: UH audited figures.
|
"Right now, I think we can come close to the million-dollar mark," Jay said Monday. "We’re hopeful of strong walk-up (crowds)."
UH said it has taken in $638,405 in season-ticket sales and $174,959 in individual game sales.
The school does not get ticket revenue from the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, which is owned and operated by ESPN Events, receiving instead a $25,000 flat fee.
Jay said season-ticket sales were "just 23 (tickets) short of last year."
The largest home turnout to date was 7,465 (8,761 tickets distributed) for the last home game, the Jan. 24 UC Irvine contest. Overall, UH said it is averaging 3,792 (6,498 tickets distributed) per game.
Jay said the walk-up for the UC Irvine game was 3,515.
Head coach Benjy Taylor said the crowds have been encouraging.
"It really is. To be honest with you, in November if you told me we’d be 16-9, I’d take it. I didn’t know what games we’d win, I just knew if we bought in we could be successful. And I knew if we bought in, we’d be fun to watch.
"And we have things we need to work on, we have things we need to get better at. But bringing it every night is not one of those. Maybe a few execution things here or there, but bringing it every night is never one of those. And everybody in the program’s heart being in the right place, that’s never an issue. This team is great, the chemistry’s great, the guys love each other. And for what they’ve been through and what they’re continuing to go through, that’s just a tribute to them as men."
If basketball can come close to meeting its projection, it might keep the athletic department from exceeding the announced $3.5 million deficit anticipated for the current fiscal year that closes June 30.
Jay said, "Hopefully people will purchase their tickets early and online. We’re encouraging them to purchase their tickets ahead of time."
