The University of Hawai'i is projecting to issue about 34,000 tickets for its football season opener, which would likely mean a crowd in the 30,000 range Saturday night at Aloha Stadium.

As of the close of business yesterday, a UH spokesman said approximately 28,800 tickets had been distributed for the 6:05 p.m. game with Northern Colorado. UH is listed at as much as a 59-point favorite over the Division I-AA Bears on some betting lines.

The ticket estimate is based upon season-ticket sales, early individual game purchases and tickets offered through promotions and trade. All students in the UH system are eligible to receive a free ticket to the game but must pick up their ticket at the Stan Sheriff center Box Office by 4 p.m. Friday and show valid identification.

UH said it has sold approximately 22,300 season tickets, up from 18,125 last year, a quarter-century low.

Last year's home opener drew a crowd of 28,173 for Nevada-Las Vegas.

The Nov. 23 Western Athletic Conference finale with Boise State has sold approximately 4,000 individual game tickets while the Dec. 1 Washington game has sold 1,450 and the Nov. 10 Fresno State game 900.

Aloha Stadium officials said Ford Island will not be used for satellite parking for the Northern Colorado game but will be available for all subsequent games where attendance is projected to top 30,000.

Meanwhile, UH said it has sold 4,078 season tickets for Rainbow Wahine volleyball, down from 4,282 in 2006.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.