Alabama agrees to play UH Nov. 30

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i and University of Alabama have reached an agreement to meet in a Nov. 30 football game at Aloha Stadium.

The Western Athletic Conference, of which UH is a member, is guaranteed five ESPN football appearances each year. The Warriors will appear on ESPN three times this season.

Alabama is expected to bring more than 5,000 fans, providing a boost to Hawai'i's economy.

UH and Alabama officials yesterday declined to comment until signed contract are exchanged. But The Honolulu Advertiser has been told it will serve as the game's title sponsor. Entering the second year of a five-year contract as a corporate sponsor, The Advertiser pays an estimated $200,000 a year in cash and trade for the rights to sell newspapers and advertise at UH sporting events.

Alabama replaces Washington State, which requested a release from its contract to play UH, citing a scheduling conflict.

Instead, Washington State has agreed to play UH next year — replacing Virginia, which asked out of its UH commitment — and in 2007. In exchange, UH will not seek a penalty fee from Washington State for canceling this season's game.

After being found guilty of breaking NCAA rules, Alabama is banned from competing in postseason games for the next two years. Crimson Tide officials had wanted to wait until they received a ruling on their appeal before deciding on the UH offer. But because the NCAA will delay a ruling until August and the chances of a favorable verdict are slim, Alabama decided to commit to playing UH this year.

Alabama's regular season was scheduled to end against Auburn Nov. 23. The Southeastern Conference championship game will be played Dec. 7. Even if the ban is lifted and Alabama qualifies for the SEC title game, it still will honor its commitment to play UH.

Alabama and UH have never met in a football game.