Introduction
Traveling is an inevitable part of any sports team’s season, especially one that competes beyond their local region. For Hawaii football team, it’s not just about traveling for games, but also for attending essential training and recruiting events, which demands a lot of air and ground travel. In this article, you will explore the logistics behind the Hawaii football team’s travels, including air and ground transportation, their Aloha Stadium facilities, training regimen, and community engagement.
The Frequent Flyer
Hawaii football team plays on the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, but the team’s long-distance travel is one of the challenges they frequently face. They usually take commercial airlines such as Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines to fly to their destinations. All the flights are usually international, considering the location of their home base, and they alternate between embarking from the Honolulu International Airport (HNL) and smaller airports nearby. According to the team’s logistics staff, they usually charter planes for long trips, which is a significant expenses item for the program.
Preparing for long trips is always an essential aspect of avoiding hassles that may affect players physically and mentally. Before flying, the team must ensure that players are comfortable, both physically and mentally, to prevent negative effects they may have on their performance. Team staff usually prepare protein shakes, snacks, and plenty of hydrating fluids to keep players nourished and healthy. Some players prefer special meals that suit their preference and taste. However, these requests must be made well in advance.
Players must also dress in comfortable, appropriate clothing because of the long hours they spend sitting on the plane. Compression socks and leggings are common among players to reduce swelling in the legs, and headphones and napping are also popular activities for long flights.
“I always bring my headphones and iPad. I try to sleep as much as possible,” said Hawaii linebacker, Jeremiah Pritchett,” but sometimes I can’t sleep, so I just watch movies and listen to music.”
Road Warriors
Ground travel is also an important part of Hawaii football team’s travel logistics. According to the team’s logistics coordinator, the team usually takes chartered buses to most games. The buses are that sizeable, comfortable, with air conditioning and adequate space for players and staff. Buses are also suitable for traveling over long periods of time because it enables players to relax and take a nap, which is essential for their mental and physical health.
When on the road, the team usually prefers staying in hotels that have reliable Wi-Fi, have an on-site gym, and serve player-friendly meals. Players need to keep up with their intense workout regimen while traveling besides the busy game days and, therefore, prefer hotels with gyms. Also, the team’s nutrition department always makes sure that meals are nutritious, well-balanced, and suit players’ needs and preferences.
“We always ensure that we have enough protein in our team meals,” said Hawaii Football Team’s sports nutritionist, Traci Simpson. “We even accommodate vegan, gluten-free, or Kosher diets if any of our players ask for it.”
Behind the Scenes at Aloha Stadium
Aloha Stadium is the Hawaii football team’s home field, and understanding the background workings of the stadium provides a unique perspective of the team’s home base. The stadium is spacious, with a seating capacity of 50,000, which is the largest stadium by capacity in Hawaii. The playing surface is turf, with an underground heating system to help the grass grow faster and prevent player injuries. When it comes to indoor facilities, Aloha Stadium has a player lounge, locker rooms, and showers.
The locker rooms are spacious, with individual cubicles and ergonomic chairs that help prevent players from developing back problems. Before game time, the locker room is abuzz with the team conducting final preparations, such as running plays and putting on game uniforms. The player tunnel leads directly from the locker room to the field, and players often hype each other up by shouting, jumping, and listening to music.
“We’re always pumped when we come out of the locker rooms and hear the crowd cheering us on,” says Hawaii quarterback, Chevan Cordeiro.
Training in Paradise
Training is a critical aspect of every sports team, and the Hawaii football team is no exception. However, the team’s training regimen is unique because of their location, which provides for a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This weather is advantageous for outdoor practices because it enables the team to practice in the same climate as they play in. Moreover, the humidity helps players lose water weight, which is a plus for players in positions that require running.
When it comes to training, the team practices are held on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. They also have access to the campus’ weight room, which is spacious and has advanced workout equipment. The weight room is a favorite among team members, and many players report spending long hours in there, even outside of practice.
“Every time I’m not in class or in practice, I’m in the weight room,” says Darius Muasau, outside linebacker.
The Business of Big-Time College Football
College football is a big business. Therefore, it’s important to discuss the Hawaii football team’s financial aspect. Like every college sports program, football programs have enormous expenses, which include travel, equipment, salaries, and facilities maintenance, among others. The team’s nutrition program is a huge expense, as they aim to provide players with healthy and nutritious meals for their day-to-day activities.
Another thing that affects college football programs’ financial viability is revenue from TV broadcasts, ticket sales, and booster contributions. The Hawaii football team has seen an increase in ticket sales since their success in 2019, which has a positive effect on the program’s revenue stream.
“As ticket sales increase, it helps us offset other expenses associated with running the program,” says Hawaii Football Team’s Director of Athletics, David Matlin.
Beyond Football: Life on the Islands
Beyond the football pitch, the Hawaii football team also has an impact on the local community. Local business owners also benefit from the economic boost that results from sports tourism. For example, during football season, many local businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, report an increase in business, which is beneficial to Hawaii’s economy. Meanwhile, players often engage in community service in their free time, from tutoring local students to participating in charity events.
“We understand that the success we enjoy isn’t just on the football field alone,” says Simpson. “We are part of the community that supports us, and we also have a responsibility to give back to the community.”
Conclusion
Understanding how the Hawaii football team travels, from air to ground transportation, their Aloha Stadium facilities, the team’s training regimen, and community engagement is valuable for anyone interested in sports travel. Players must always be comfortable in their travel arrangements to ensure peak performance. Meanwhile, understanding a team’s training regimen and financial viability is essential for football students before joining any college football programs. Finally, the interaction between sports programs and their local communities is beneficial for everyone involved.
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