Articles about the public hearing on the increase of the UH ticket price ceilings

HA Note: "A proposal to raise the maximum limits on the prices the University of Hawai'i may charge for tickets to its athletic events drew no significant opposition at a sparsely attended public hearing on campus last night. Six speakers asked questions and offered comments but none opposed a plan that could go to the Board of Regents as early as next month. The most noticeable increase would be a jump from $38 to $50 on the price of some individual sideline seats for the Sept. 2 football game against Southern California. Some premium seat charges in football, women's volleyball, men's basketball, men's volleyball and baseball could jump by as much as $20 per ticket over a period of years, if approved by the board. In addition, some seats for students might no longer be free."

Associate athletic director Carl Clapp said the new price ceilings would likely remain in place:
"from three to five years or so." (HA)

About the support UH athletics has been getting from the public, Clapp said:
"People are amazingly supportive of UH and UH athletics and with the economy people are also cautious and we certainly hear that message. Our movement forward needs to be in ways that's best for UH athletics and also best for all those people who support us so well." (HSB)

About how they have to consider the economy and other factors before they raise ticket prices, Clapp said:
"We'd have a lot to consider in raising ticket prices. You can have a higher price and less revenue if you're not careful." (HSB)

HSB Note: "If the regents approve the new range, the department is considering charging higher prices for UH's football season opener against Southern Cal, with adult tickets ranging from $35 to $50. Prices would range from $25 to $38 for the other six home games. UH is also considering charging $3 for student tickets to women's basketball games. Students currently get in free."

About the possibility of getting a student activities fee, Clapp said:
"the conversation does continue and the proposal remains under consideration." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Clapp said there are no plans to begin charging admission to sports such as soccer, softball and water polo, which are currently free to attend."

HA Note: "A veteran season ticket holder in four sports who identified himself only as "Rodney" said the proposals were "pretty reasonable.""

Basil Sparlin of the men's volleyball booster club, said:
"I understand what they are trying to do and I don't think it is unreasonable." (HA)

Sparlin added:
"how they manage that whole right pricing to get the maximum revenue but not drive people away is a tricky business for them. I don't envy them having to do it." (HA)

HSB Note: "While the department plans to keep most ticket prices level next year, it is considering a $20 increase in the premium seat contribution — which accompanies the season-ticket charge — for the sections closest to the 50-yard line for football and midcourt for arena sports. The change would push the PSC for football to $220 per seat in six sections of Aloha Stadium. The new PSC for the midcourt sections in the lower bowl at the Stan Sheriff Center would be $120 for men's and women's volleyball and men's basketball, and $100 for the lower section at Les Murakami Stadium. Clapp said the maximums haven't been updated since 2003 and the department plans for the new ranges to remain in effect for three to five years."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100127/SPORTS02/1270365&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100127_Hawaii_athletic_department_wants_to_raise_ticket_ceiling.html