Comments on: UH adds JC back

By: gobows

gobows — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:34:14 +0000

The uw game was sold out, boise was close to it.

By: Shoko

Shoko — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:00:41 +0000

Get the feeling that the general public wouldn’t be in full agreement with spending 200 million for a new stadium. Not to mention that’s probably an unrealistic cost projection that would inevitably increase substantially if this project were ever to become a reality. But, its a good topic for discussion during the off season.

By: hatakeman

hatakeman — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 17:54:47 +0000

The design should allow for future expansion. So start at 35,000 with an inherent capability to expand to 40,000.

By: Brad

Brad — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 16:06:25 +0000

I think 35,000 would be perfect for now. As long as there is room for expansion. Why build another 50,000 seater when it will be half empty and the stadium has to maintain the extra space that is not being used. Who cares about the Pro bowl. The state can find other ways to make up those millions in tourist spending. Majority of college football stadiums aren’t attending sell outs just tickets sold. When was the last time aloha stadium was full. It hasn’t been from the pro bowl in over a decade and a half.it wasn’t during the greatest season UH had in 2007.

The current game day experience is not suited for the younger generation that is growing in numbers. There should be wifi throughout the new stadium. Games to play during timeout on the jumbotron using ur smartphones. Definitely need better food vendors. Like I said awhile ago about getting more people in the stands before kick-off. Have a mini concert on a stage on the side that doesn’t have to be broken down before the game. Have local bands that you hear on FM 100.

As far as getting into the PAC-whatever in the future. One word WIN. You can have the biggest stadium in the world but a consistent 2-10 1-11 team. Do you think they will want you? Back then when they picked Oregon st and Washington st is because they rival Oregon and UW not because of there then 30,000 seat stadiums. Washington state’s Martin stadium is still 35,000 and they don’t fill it. Maybe when they take a Fresno or San Diego st they will take Hawaii to rival them.

You can generate money with a 35,000 stadium but it’ll take a couple of things to do so.

1. The report says to have luxury suites for businesses and the wealthy. I believe we have enough corporate sponsors that can fill those suites or at least buy them.
2. As I said earlier enhance the game experience. HDTV/ and a comfy couch is the killer for low attendance across the country.
3. Winning product. If UH can be popular again the stadium will be full and then the state can look at expanding.

By: boolakanaka

boolakanaka — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 14:14:43 +0000

72–I am in agreement with AL on all points. In addition, the only thing more depressing than not filling our current stadium, is not filling a stadium that is 40% smaller. While it would certainly create a more intimate stadium, I am not sure about a business model, that decreases capacity, takes on more capital costs, places itself in a very rigid structure to meet long-term dept obligations, and at the same time, hopes to increase total net revenues…. some very large questions on fiscal viability loom.

By: Darren

Darren — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:09:04 +0000

Demand doesn’t have to be static…find ways to increase the demand. Seems kinda small minded to just cut the supply based on current demand. The population of this island has increased by about 30% from the time the stadium opened, and now we wanna cut stadium capacity by 25%-30%??? That don’t seem to make sense at all. Go big or go home…

By: el burro sabio

el burro sabio — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 10:25:22 +0000

Does anyone remember what they learned in economics class? Okay, I don’t blame you if you don’t because it was very boring, but there were some very important lessons taught in that class that relates to how big a new stadium should be, and the answer is not 50,000 seats.

By: Old Diver

Old Diver — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 10:11:18 +0000

The state via the stadium authority did pay for the study. Each department pays for it’s own expenses which comes from state taxpayers. Since the stadium is heavily subsidized by taxpayers the study was paid for with tax dollars.

By: Stephen Tsai

Stephen Tsai — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 09:57:37 +0000

How come the Stadium Authority, not the Legislature or Guv’s office, paid for the study?

By: SteveM

SteveM — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 09:31:01 +0000

RE: #72
I see where Al is coming from, and I mostly agree.

In an ideal world (or state), UH will have it’s own 30-35K stadium in the quarry and keep all revenues.

Aloha Stadium has to be torn down and rebuilt to a 60,000+ stadium with box seats.

Where’s the money coming from? I dunno–I did say “in an ideal world”…

On one hand, the size of a new Aloha stadium should not be based on UH football ticket sales. UH football is just one user….remove them from the equation with their own field. Pro Bowl…maybe. Dare I hope a Super Bowl? What other big time events can we attract?

On the other hand, maybe a smaller Aloha stadium would suffice. Big name teams will have their guarantee fee regardless of stadium size…it is the home team that hopes to make $$$ by extra ticket sales (this works well in the SEC, but maybe not so much for Hawaii). The real money is the national TV dollars the big name teams would attract playing in Hawaii.