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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, June 20, 2006

UH to double ad campaign in football

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

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The University of Hawai'i will pour double the resources into an aggressive promotional campaign in an effort to boost football season ticket sales and is planning additional initiatives to bring in more families and students, according to officials.

More than "$200,000 worth" of print, radio and television advertising will be used to push the second year of the Warriors' "There's Nothin' Like Being There" campaign when it kicks off Monday, according to John McNamara, associate athletic director.

Last week UH announced season ticket renewals were down to 16,300, a 11.6 percent drop from the same point in 2005. Last year UH sold 20,426 season tickets and new sales begin Monday.

McNamara said the increased promotional outlay, up from approximately $100,000 in 2005, was planned well before season ticket renewal figures were in.

"It is something we've been looking at since the end of last season," McNamara said.

He said changes in agreements with UH's media partners have made more time and space available.

"Basically, all of the financial resources ... will come from various media partnerships," McNamara said.

McNamara said there will be "five or six" different football spots on television and as many or more on radio and in print.

In addition, McNamara said UH is working on Aloha Stadium-based "fan initiatives" with its corporate partners for the coming season following up on its "Kids Club" and "Manoa Maniacs" concepts for children and students. McNamara said it hopes to expand UH's alcohol-free family zone and add other entertainment and attractions.

McNamara said the athletic department is working with the Manoa Chancellor's office to raise student attendance and participation at games.

The Associated Students of the University of Hawai'i has passed a resolution suggesting students who voluntarily pay a $50 per semester assessment be given free admission to sporting events.

The plan has yet to go to public hearings or the Board of Regents for approval.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.