Season ticket renewals decline

Advertiser Staff

The renewal rate for University of Hawai'i football season tickets is down three percent from last year, the athletic department announced yesterday.

Last year UH claimed a 97 percent renewal rate compared to 94 percent for this year's campaign. UH said 1,287 tickets were not renewed this year out of 22,287 tickets.

It is the third consecutive decline despite back-to-back bowl seasons.

UH had 23,093 renewals in 2002, the first season the school offered a pay-per-view option in partnership with Oceanic Cablevision and KFVE television.

Pay-per-view sales averaged 10,629 subscribers per game in 2003, including 118 commercial outlets such as bars and restaurants. That was up from 9,104 in 2002 despite an increase in fees, the school said.

In addition, premium seating fees have risen up to $125 the past two seasons.

Athletic director Herman Frazier said the 21,000 season ticket renewals were, "a good start given all the factors involved in the decision-making process for our season ticket holders and we're looking forward to new sales."

UH said approximately 800 new season tickets have been sold. Sales began June 14 and run through Aug. 6.