What's more, season-ticket holders in men's volleyball should expect a 50-percent hike in the surcharge for sitting in prime locations at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The proposed hikes, recommended by UH athletic director Herman Frazier and subject to Board of Regents approval today, are part of a three-year plan to pay for gender-equity expenses and salary raises as well as increasing the athletic department's annual operating budget by $3 million, to more than $20 million.

The Board of Regents' Finance and Facility Committee yesterday unanimously approved a measure to increase the price range for individual-event tickets, season tickets and premium-seat fees in men's and women's basketball, men's volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer and water polo. The board is expected to finalize the measure at today's monthly meeting.

The hike in basketball, men's volleyball and baseball fees is being counted on to raise approximately $217,780 in the coming fiscal year. When combined with already approved hikes in football and Rainbow Wahine volleyball, UH officials say they expect $1.2 million in additional income. By 2005-'06, that should nearly double to $2.15 million, UH officials project.

Frazier said he has not determined if he will charge more for single-event tickets or season tickets this coming academic year (or begin charging admission for softball, soccer and water polo).

But he said he expects to double the premium-seat fee in men's basketball, from $40 above the cost of a $250 season ticket to $80, and raise the surcharge in men's volleyball by 50 percent, from $40 to $60.