Reader response on downsizing stadium
Dave,
Today’s column on Aloha Stadium is especially interesting because it’s a prominent facility, important to our State and all in our Honolulu community.
I’d like to share some food for thought:
1) Our current stadium is fine when it’s full and embarrassing when it’s not. I’d love to see UH football, Pro Bowl and other events at our stadium filling it to capacity.
That said, that’s seldom the case.
Like many others, I experienced first hand the feeling of putting on an event at Aloha Stadium that falls short of great vision and intention.
In 2005, we put a group together for our “Aloha Soccer Cup” with the Los Angeles Galaxy & DC United (Freddie Adu).
We had great support organizing the event and selling tickets, as well as volunteers putting on the practice sessions we hosted for both teams.
Despite all of our support, our best efforts resulted in a approximately 15,000 people enjoying the event.
Those that were there had a great time but our small team of organizers were left with an empty feeling because our results fell short of our expectations and our venue was too big.
Waipio was not an option; our old Honolulu Stadium would have been perfect.
2) The 30,000+ option being considered might be good but is its location ideal?
Maybe, if the rail has a transit stop nearby.
Since the rail isn’t scheduled to reach UH-Manoa, how about a new stadium at UH-West Oahu?
Regardless of size, the location might be good for those willing to use the rail and the site has loads of potential.
3) Aloha Stadium is still a great site but may be best as an alternate use.
Thanks & Aloha,
Paul Shinkawa
It’s too bad there isn’t enough public support for the Aloha Stadium. Economically not possible for the public to support Aloha Stadium. But still, can the AD at UH really bill the public for having a Norm Chow to be paid? Not even!
Here is a history of UH football average attendance for years
2001 – 36,245
2002 – 38,759
2003 – 41,307
2004 – 36,343
2005 – 32,734
2006 – 36,588
2007 – 43,514
2008 – 40,337
2009 – 36,724
2010 – 36,401
2011 – 31,784
2012 – 30,113
This data strongly suggests a new 30,000 seat stadium is shortsighted. In a year when the Warriors went 1-11, the average attendance was 30,113. A winning program will restore average attendance
…to between 36,000 to 38,000 with some years bumping up to even 40,000 when the Warriors are putting together a 10-2 type season. Winning brings the fans to games. Planningt for 30,000 is absurd.
Aloha Stadium needs to go and be replaced with a smaller venue. There is no financial logic in having that current facility for the hope that it would be full 8 times a year AT MOST. Tear it down, build something new in the 30K to 35K range, and be pragmatic. Make it concert and other event friendly, and we have a great new venue that makes sense on an island with a population of less than 1 million.
35,000 would be ideal. But if it’s in West Oahu nobody will go. Way too far from the most populous areas. Not with HD television available and the costs of season tickets, parking, food….
I’m in agreement with a stadium between 35,000-40,000. There are currently some schools in the big5 conferences who range in the 35-40thousand seating capacity.