Warriors to play Gators
in ‘The Swamp’ in 2008

UH will get $600,000 to play Florida,
77-11 at home since 1990

The way Hawaii football coach June Jones sees it, the Warriors are going to be on the East Coast anyway. So they might as well play two games on the mainland -- if the price is right.

UH announced yesterday it secured a game at Florida to open the 2008 season. Jones was asked if he would want a bye after the Aug. 30 encounter at "The Swamp" in Gainesville.

"Not necessarily," Jones said. "We could play another team back there. It could be anyone who it works out for, as long as it's right before or right after (the Florida game). And if there's that much money."

UH gets a $600,000 appearance fee for playing at Florida, which draws more than 85,000 fans to each home game. The Warriors' expenses figure to be no more than $150,000 (the cost is projected at $108,000 for this fall's trip to Michigan State).

Jones said the program's first game against Florida -- coupled with one at Alabama next year and other games against big-name opponents -- will help recruiting.

"Any time you play on national TV it helps. And that game will certainly be on national TV," Jones said.

The Gators are 77-11 at home since 1990 while Hawaii lost all four of its road games last year.

UH receiver Davone Bess was more than enthused when he heard about the game.

"Whoo, I'm juiced," said Bess, who will probably be a junior or senior in 2008. "When I heard they were negotiating for that game I was excited. That's one of the places you want to play at if you're a college football player; plus I've got family back there. Of course, right now we're all focusing on getting ready for USC."

The UH women's volleyball team could play in Gainesville the same weekend.

"I haven't looked that far ahead, but it's a possibility and something we might consider," Wahine coach Dave Shoji said.

UH lost a five-game match to Florida at Gainesville for the West Regional championship in 1999.

Beginning next season, teams can start their volleyball seasons before Sept. 1. (Up to this season, the annual NACWAA tournament played in late August was the only exempt event.)

Jones also said this season's game at Idaho on Sept. 22 will be televised by one of ESPN's channels, probably ESPNU.

"Who would've thunk we'd have seven national TV games this year?" Jones said.

UH has also had serious talks with Navy about a game here. The Warriors still have two nonconference openings in 2006.