Posted at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 01, 2001

UH may play Friday game in ESPN deal

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

As part of its proposed new television deal with ESPN, the Western Athletic Conference is considering playing a Friday game this season, possibly involving the University of Hawai'i, officials said today.

Friday nights, once the almost exclusive preserve of high schools, were opened up for colleges when the NCAA Board of Directors lifted the restriction last week on what are termed "non-traditional football windows" as member institutions seek ways to increase television exposure and revenue

Both the Mountain West Conference and Conference USA have said they will play at least two Friday night games this season, the Associated Press reported.

WAC Presidents this week are expected to review a WAC Council recommendation that the conference sign a multi-year football-basketball deal with ESPN. The network made a 90-minute proposal to the Council, which is composed of athletic officials, at last weekend's spring meetings.

Part of that deal, if accepted, would involve a WAC Friday game, commissioner Karl Benson confirmed. He said several "possible" games have been "identified" but declined to disclose them.

Hugh Yoshida, UH athletic director said the Warriors "would consider a Friday night" date if certain logistical issues could be worked out, including game time, venue availability and a swap with whatever high school game was scheduled.

Yoshida said if a UH game were selected, the Warriors would notify high school officials and attempt to a swap of dates, turning over their traditional Saturday night opening in exchange for a Friday.

Yoshida, a former high school coach, athletic director and OIA executive secretary, said UH would be sensitive to the high school situation.

Benson said, "Whatever city the (Friday) game would be played in, we'd be sensitive to the impact a game could have" and the decision would be made "in cooperation with the local football community there."

Because of the time difference with the Mainland, UH has frequently kicked around the idea of trying to play some of its home games on a Friday night in order to receive more exposure for its program and the state. By the time UH Saturday night games are completed, most Mainland papers are being printed and UH scores and game reports are left out.

A succession of UH officials have long felt if the school played on Fridays, their game scores and highlights would not only make Sunday papers but secure prominent mention on the early network Saturday college football shows.

"A national Friday night game would really help us from an exposure standpoint," Yoshida said. "It would be a big plus."