The Hawaiian Islanders begin a new era with Cal Lee as head coach next week. The hiring of Lee, which is pending arenafootball2 approval, should translate into a big boost in statewide interest in the team's fortunes. Addition of Lee should
help Islanders’ ticket salesBy Nick Abramo
nabramo@starbulletin.comTeam officials were encouraged by crowds of more than 4,000 for several of their eight home games last year, as the Islanders went 5-11. Hiring Lee, the winningest coach in Hawaii high school football history, is bound to help.
Team officials and Lee declined comment yesterday. They will wait until a press conference at the team's new Bishop Street office Wednesday to announce the coaching change.
New general manager Chris Dey said inroads have been made to build the team's fan base since the Islanders' first season ended last July.
"Our No. 1 goal is for 100 percent of the people going to the games to be in the game," he said. "That's our new slogan: 'Hawaiian Islanders arena football, you're in the game.' "
Arena football crowds, separated from the field only by sideboards, are closer to the action than in outdoor football. Fans can keep footballs that wind up in the stands, and they are bombarded with free T-shirts, a thunderous music mix and contests during breaks in the game. They can also mingle with the players after the game and get autographs.
"Last year, it wasn't an initiative, so only 16 season tickets were sold," Dey said. "This year, we've made it an initiative and have already sold 350 season tickets and we're on track to reach our goal of 1,000 in the lower bowl by the end of this month and 3,000 overall by March 1. Season tickets drive the cart."
The Blaisdell Arena seats 6,600 for arena football.
Season-ticket prices for 2003 are $65 for upper arena, $99 for lower arena and $40 for ages 17 and under.
The new office is a sign the Islanders are focusing on a long-term commitment to Hawaii. Islanders director of operations Marci Joy said the staff is thrilled with its new setting.
"Last year, we had two offices that were separated (by a hallway), making communication difficult," Joy said. "Now we're all together. No halls. The computer systems aren't failing now and our phone system is working correctly. Basically, the layout is more functional."
The Islanders became increasingly functional on the field as the season progressed last year, winning four of their last six games under coach Chad Carlson, whom Lee is replacing.
The 16-game 2003 schedule isn't finalized yet, but informal practices are expected to start in February, with a training camp in March, followed by a preseason game against a team from Japan in late March and the first regular-season game in early April.
Hawaiian Islanders