Hawaii Football: With Colorado Approaching, Warriors Begin Two-a-Days

With the season-opener against the Colorado Buffaloes only 24 days away, the University of Hawaiʻi football team is scheduled to begin two-a-day practices today.

The Warriors will practice two hours in the morning and reconvene later in the afternoon for a 90-minute practice.

Hawaiʻi coach Greg McMackin has to prepare his team for two Pac-12 schools to begin their season. After hosting the Buffaloes on Sept. 3, McMackin and the Warriors will head to Seattle where they will face the University of Washington at Huskies Stadium.

Last season Colorado finished with a record of 5-7, their last season in the Big 12 before switching over to the Pac-12.

Washington had a record of 7-6 last year and finished their season with a 19-7 victory over Nebraska in the Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl.

When Colorado comes to town for the nationally-televised (ESPN2) season-opener, it will mark the first game played at the "Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium."

According to KHON2 News, the new playing surface is "UBU Speed Series S5-M turf (the newest generation of synthetic turf), and will provide more padding with 2-1/2-inch "grass" blades, improved durability, and better drainage."

The 36-year-old stadium's new turf is part of a sponsorship agreement announced last week between Aloha Sports Properties, the Stadium’s exclusive advertising representative, and Hawaiian Airlines.

"Having a high-quality field is important for our local athletes, and for attracting high-profile events that benefit the community and showcase Hawaiʻi," said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian Airlines' president and CEO.

"We are pleased to use funds from our marketing budget to contribute to these much needed improvements and increasing our support of the home team at UH."

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