The University of Hawai'i is hoping a brisk walk-up sale and an opening-night victory tonight by the host Rainbows will help cover its bid to host the NAPA Auto Parts WAC Baseball Tournament.

Athletic director Jim Donovan said the school bid $64,000 two years ago to host the six-team, double elimination event that opens today at Les Murakami Stadium.

As of late yesterday, UH officials said ticket revenue was at $44,821. That reflected the sale of 1,383 four-day tournament packages and 493 single-game sales, they said.

"A lot of it depends on how we do (tonight)," Donovan said. UH plays Louisiana Tech in the 7 p.m. feature game.

The loser plays at 11 a.m. tomorrow while the winner plays at 7 p.m. tomorrow.

Out of the bid, up to $35,000 can go toward approved expenses but the conference is guaranteed $27,500 and keeps any profit. "The upside goes to the conference," Donovan said.

Participating schools are responsible for their own transportation.

Meanwhile, UH officials said football season ticket renewals are currently running at 77 percent. In addition, there have been 139 deposits placed for new season ticket purchases.

Last year, UH sold 27,585 season tickets, the most in more than 15 years.

NOTES

Hawai'i senior catcher Landon Hernandez will be on the active 25-player roster for the WAC tournament, UH coach Mike Trapasso said. However, Hernandez's status is still day-to-day, as his wrist was still hurting as of yesterday.

The Rainbows will be the visiting team against Louisiana Tech.