HONOLULU — Toyota Hawai‘i announced a new, three-year deal that will see its support of University of Hawai‘i Athletics increase.
As part of its partnership, Toyota Hawai‘i also provides numerous vehicles to various UH athletics coaches and staff for recruiting and other business uses, states the announcement made this week.
For the 2020-21 season, any tickets purchased by Servco for individual games or seasons that were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic will also be converted to an H-Club contribution.
The University of Hawai‘i, in a Sept. 3 announcement, said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on universities across the country, especially on college athletics. The UH-Manoa athletics department has an estimated $9.3 million deficit for fiscal year 2021 because the pandemic resulted in the postponement of fall sports, including women’s volleyball, a top revenue-producing program.
The pandemic is impacting multiple revenue streams for athletics, including ticket and concession sales, NCAA and conference distributions and licensing and merchandising, the Hawai‘i report said.
“With the postponement of sports, we know this is a tough time for the more than 500 University of Hawai‘i student-athletes and staff,” said Peter Dames, Servco Pacific executive vice president.
“As far as we’re concerned, UH athletics is the official home team of Toyota Hawai‘i whether games are happening or not. We felt that now is the time to really show our Rainbow Warrior spirit and provide more support to our longtime partner.”
To launch this new partnership, Toyota Hawai‘i, a subsidiary of Servco Pacific, will run a marketing campaign in September and October incorporating UH athletics. Toyota Hawai‘i encourages its fans to show their support by outfitting their Toyota with UH pride.
University of Hawai‘i “H” logo license plate decals are available for purchase at a cost of $30.50 for the first year, with subsequent annual renewals of $25. Each year, $20 of the fee will go toward supporting UH athletics.
“We appreciate Servco Pacific’s support of us as a proud corporate partner,” said David Matlin, UH athletic director.
“They have been long-standing partners with us during these tough economic times, and continue to find ways to show their dedication to our student-athletes and programs. We are grateful for all they do and know that by standing as one we will get through this. Now, more than ever, ‘Bows together.”
