Men's volleyball profitable for UH

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Despite a decline in ticket sales, the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team netted nearly $300,000 this year, according to figures made available to The Advertiser.

The Warriors earned $653,234 in ticket revenue for 23 home matches. With an operating budget of $370,000 this fiscal year, the Warriors finished with a profit of $283,234.

Of UH's 17 sports, only three others — football, men's basketball and women's volleyball — are profitable.

This year, the Warriors issued an average of 5,169 tickets per match, down slightly from the previous season, but enough to again lead the NCAA in attendance.

It is believed that recent increases in ticket prices contributed to the decline.

Volleyball Magazine reported that UH's $12 adult ticket is the most expensive in men's college volleyball. What's more, UH's student discount ticket ($7) is pricier than the most expensive adult volleyball ticket at UCLA ($6) and Brigham Young ($5).

"We're happy to contribute," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "But we want to do more."

Wilton said he would like to reduce the price of student tickets, and provide more student seats in the Stan Sheriff Center's lower bowl. He said more student fans will energize the event and lead to future customers.

"If there's a coach who says he doesn't want more students coming to games, you're looking at a liar," Wilton said. "We all want more students, big time."

Wilton said sponsorship deals helped keep down expenses. Asics provided each UH player with socks, kneepads and three pairs of shoes. Local Motion supplied jerseys, shorts, warm-up suits and casual wear.

Wilton also said the Warriors were successful in the classroom. Four starters — middle blocker Dejan Miladinovic, outside hitters Costas Theocharidis and Eyal Zimet, and opposite Torry Tukuafu — each have cumulative grade-point averages of at least 3.15.