The University of Hawaii football team kicked off season-ticket sales with a block party in downtown Honolulu on Monday, but the most popular topic was … the Rolo Dog.

The grilled hot dog blanketed with cheese, onions and quarter-sized jalapeno slices was named in honor of coach Nick Rolovich.

“That was the big takeaway,” athletic director David Matlin said, smiling. “We do need to have more opportunities for the Rolo Dog.”

Rolovich said Cafe Blue’s culinary creation was “savory, but it also had some spice with the peppers. Anytime you can mix those two, I don’t think you can lose.”

There also was praise for the Beeman BLT Burger, an 8-ounce burger named after Rainbow Wahine basketball coach Laura Beeman.

The lunch-time event also featured UH football and women’s basketball players, coaches, the pep band and cheerleaders. Employees from First Hawaiian Bank, Bank of Hawaii and American Savings provided games and prizes. UH also set up a booth at Tamarind Park for ticket sales and renewals.

“It’s really cool to see the people who are supporting us,” quarterback Kyle Gallup said. “It’s nice to see the people’s passion and to connect with the team on a different level and not just on the field.”

Defensive back Eugene Ford, who transferred to UH in January, marveled at the downtown workers who stopped to meet with the players.

“Being new to this, it’s an eye-opening experience,” Ford said. “Just to see everyone behind the team, it’s good to see.”

A week ago, Rolovich led a UH group that made surprise visits to the homes of three season-ticket subscribers. There is talk of holding rallies at different areas across Oahu.

“This is a dream come true,” Mililani-raised wideout Kalakaua Timoteo III said of Monday’s rally. “I’ve been dreaming about this kind of stuff since I was a little kid. These are my people. This is my state, my hometown, my university. I’m here to make people happy and to make them smile.”