Ticket prices for University of Hawaii athletic events for the 2010-11 season are expected to remain largely at the same levels as this year.

But with many of those prices at or near the maximums the department can charge under school policy, the athletic administration is asking the university's Board of Regents to approve raising the ceiling.

UH associate athletic director Carl Clapp presented the department's proposal in a public meeting yesterday as part of the process of gathering comments to be factored into a report, which is to be put before the regents at next month's board meeting.

“;People are amazingly supportive of UH and UH athletics and with the economy people are also cautious and we certainly hear that message,”; Clapp said.

“;Our movement forward needs to be in ways that's best for UH athletics and also best for all those people who support us so well.”;

While the department plans to keep most ticket prices level next year, it is considering a $20 increase in the premium seat contribution — which accompanies the season-ticket charge — for the sections closest to the 50-yard line for football and midcourt for arena sports.

The change would push the PSC for football to $220 per seat in six sections of Aloha Stadium. The new PSC for the midcourt sections in the lower bowl at the Stan Sheriff Center would be $120 for men's and women's volleyball and men's basketball, and $100 for the lower section at Les Murakami Stadium.

Clapp said the maximums haven't been updated since 2003 and the department plans for the new ranges to remain in effect for three to five years.

Most of the season ticket prices for football are at the maximum levels.

While the department is seeking to raise the maximums (from $145 to $250 for football season tickets for sideline seats, for example), elements including the economy and team performance would be among the factors in any decision to change ticket prices.

“;We'd have a lot to consider in raising ticket prices,”; Clapp said.

“;You can have a higher price and less revenue if you're not careful.”;

If the regents approve the new range, the department is considering charging higher prices for UH's football season opener against Southern Cal, with adult tickets ranging from $35 to $50. Prices would range from $25 to $38 for the other six home games.

UH is also considering charging $3 for student tickets to women's basketball games. Students currently get in free.

The possibility of a student activities fee was raised during yesterday's meeting and Clapp said “;the conversation does continue and the proposal remains under consideration.”;

Clapp said there are no plans to begin charging admission to sports such as soccer, softball and water polo, which are currently free to attend.

More details of the proposal are available at hawaiiathletics.com. Clapp will continue to take comments through e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).