The University of Hawaii could begin earning “credits” from Aloha Stadium as soon as Saturday’s football home opener if crowds hit certain agreed-upon levels.
The “incentive-based opportunity” plan is a new wrinkle to the contract renewal for 2017 between the stadium and UH. There is an agreement in principle pending final signatures, both parties said.
It begins with Saturday’s game against Western Carolina. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
“This is a way to see if we can assist in minimizing their expenses and is in line with what we can afford,” stadium manager Scott Chan said.
Chan said the incentive levels, which are to be announced when the agreement is executed, are based on a 10-year per game average attendance of approximately 21,000.
Chan said he is “hoping for” a crowd of 25,000-28,000 for the game, which would mark the most fans through the turnstiles since 2014, when 32,197 were on hand to see UH open with 25th-ranked Washington.
As of early Thursday morning approximately 20,000 tickets had been distributed.
When turnstile counts exceed benchmarks UH would earn “credits” toward reducing what it is charged for game day expenses. UH does not pay rent but is responsible for game-day expenses that include security, cleanup, electricity, ushers and box office operations.
UH has been paying approximately $90,000-$100,000 per game.
Aloha Stadium is charged by the state with raising its own operating and payroll funding. The state provides resources for capital improvements.
The past two seasons have seen UH open at home to crowds of less than 18,500. The last home opener featuring an NCAA Football Championship Subdivision opponent to draw more than 18,500 was Lamar (29,011) in 2012.
“We’re hoping people will come out and support this team,” Chan said.
Chan is encouraging fans to take advantage of online ticket-buying options to minimize box office lines Saturday.
UH is offering a 50 percent discount on tickets for seats in selected areas of the stadium, with the promotion expiring today at 11:59 p.m. Day-of-game pricing will return to regular prices, UH said.
Tickets may be purchased online (etickethawaii.com), by phone (944-2697) and at the Stan Sheriff Center Ticket Office, Aloha Stadium Box Office and UH Campus Center.
