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New Warrior football jerseys arrived at the U.H. Manoa Bookstore Wednesday afternoon and quickly drew the attention of shoppers.

“We just switched over to Under Armour this year and it's been big news,” said Hope Shelton, a University of Hawaii student who works at the bookstore. “I think they're going to be a big topic.”

Hope says the sale of Warrior merchandise has been steady the past few months but has picked up even more momentum in the past couple of weeks.

“Most people are just very enthusiastic,” she said. Even people who don't know much about it are still Hawaii fans just from being here.”

In fiscal year 2008, which ended June 30, the university accumulated $631,910 in royalties - an increase of 93.6 percent from the previous fiscal year.

UH says the excitement from last year’s 12-0 record which culminated in a Sugar Bowl birth against Georgia, has carried over into this year’s football season.

“I think coach (Greg McMackin) did a great job in the off season reaching out to the fans,” said U.H. Associate Athletics Director John McNamara. “I think as we go into this season they not only know that he's a fantastic coach but a wonderful person that really cares about Hawaii.”

McNamara says season ticket sales are at a 16 year high with 26,321 fans already purchasing passes for a schedule that features seven home games. He says the home opener on September 6 has drawn a lot of interest.

“We have about 30,000 tickets already sold for the Weber State game and we're just in our third day of selling season tickets to the students and we've already sold 700, so it's been fantastic.”

During the home opener the university is bringing back the Hawaii 5-0 theme which McNamara promises will get fans at Aloha Stadium pumped up.

“The team entrance to the field has totally been revamped and I think everyone is going to be pleasantly surprised.”

Fans meanwhile are tempering some of their excitement for the season opener this Saturday against Florida in Gainesville because the Gators are ranked #5 in the nation and are led by Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow.

The game, which kicks off at 6:30 a.m. Hawaii time, can only be seen live in the islandsi on Oceanic Cable pay-per-view. Several local pubs are planning to cash in on the excitement by showing the game on their television screens.

Murphy’s Bar and Grill in Nuuanu will serve buffet that features alligator-on-a-stick and alligator chili.

Owner Don Murphy will open his doors at 6 a.m. “I can't wait for this weekend even though we'll be down here at 4:30,” Murphy said with a chuckle.

Andrew may be reached at apereira@khon2.com or ph. 591-4263.