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Tuesday, September 12, 2000
Warriors might The University of Hawaii will likely play next year's nonconference game against Division I-AA Montana at Maui's War Memorial Stadium if several logistical matters can be solved.
play Montana on
Maui next year
It would be the first time a
neighbor island hosts a
regular-season UH gameBy Paul Arnett
Star-BulletinWarriors head coach June Jones said yesterday that school administrators were close to getting the final numbers in place for Hawaii to play a regular-season game on a neighbor island for the first time.
"I'd say we would be playing over there if the numbers work," UH associate athletic director Jim Donovan said yesterday. "We're supposed to meet with Maui officials sometime today to discuss it."
Hawaii has nine home games in 2001, thanks in part to San Jose State coming to Aloha Stadium back-to-back seasons because of a scheduling conflict. The Warriors open with Iowa State next year on Sept. 1. They play Montana on Sept. 8.
Maui officials are still in the early planning stages to see what it will take to make the game a success. The Hula Bowl on Maui has worked well the past three years. Sources confirmed yesterday that Hula Bowl officials would be involved in handling some of the logistics of hosting a game, including selling tickets at their Maui outlets, and working on hotel accommodations and planes for the two teams.
Maui officials believe they can add enough stands to seat about 22,000 for the game. Current season ticket-holders for Hawaii will have first option to attend the nonconference matchup that will likely cost $30 a ticket. That's the same price as the Hula Bowl.
"We have to be able to make a similar amount of money that we would at a regular home game," Jones said. "So, if the average price of our tickets is $15, then we need to probably double that."
Jones said if the event is successful, he could see doing it every season Hawaii has a Division I-AA opponent. He said yesterday he would be willing to play Portland State again, despite Saturday's 45-20 loss to the Vikings.
"I think the people on Maui would enjoy seeing us play in person," Jones said. "The Hula Bowl has been a success over there. I think we can be, too, if all the details can be worked out."
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
