Frazier: Fees not tied to Jones deal
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i athletic director Herman Frazier said the new premium fees for UH football and women's volleyball events are not related to contract negotiations with Warrior head football coach June Jones.
"Absolutely not," Frazier said. The fee hike "will not affect him one way or another."
Frazier reaffirmed that private donations are expected to pay for the bulk of Jones' next contract. Jones, who could not be reached for comment yesterday, has said he believes public money will not contribute to any pay raise.
Jones has nine months remaining on a contract he signed in January 1999. He receives a base salary of $220,000 from the athletic department, as well as $40,000 in housing allowance and $60,000 from television and radio deals. His total package of $320,000 annually is less than the national average of $540,000 for a Division I-A head football coach in 2002.
Frazier said negotiations with Jones' agent, Leigh Steinberg, are "progressing."
Yesterday, UH's Board of Regents unanimously approved Frazier's proposal to increase the premium fee required to secure some of the best seats for football and women's volleyball events.
The board's action, similar to Thursday's approval by a sub-committee, was not met with vocal opposition. Frazier has said the new premium fees, of up to $100 above the face value of season tickets for mid-field seats at Aloha Stadium, will be assessed this year.
Frazier said he expects to send renewal forms to football and volleyball season-ticket holders next month.
Last year, football fans paid a premium fee of $25 to $50 above the face value of season tickets in the most desirable areas; women's volleyball fans paid $40. This year, season-ticket holders in football could be charged a premium fee of between $25 and $100 depending the seat location; volleyball fans will be assessed $60 per season ticket.
From premium fees last year, UH earned $537,725 in football and $70,440 in women's volleyball. Frazier told the regents this year's increase in premium fees could generate an additional $400,000 to $500,000.
Frazier said he will introduce a new ticket plan for the winter and spring sports. He also is expected to increase the pay-per-view price for UH football telecasts.
