The University of Hawaii is bracing for the box office impact of star center Isaac Fotu’s indefinite ineligibility and the firing of head coach Gib Arnold.

Before this week’s turmoil, UH had projected ticket sales to produce $1,040,000 this year, which would be a six-year high.

But uncertainty over Fotu’s return and  the controversy over the termination of Arnold and assistant Brandyn Akana have many fans concerned about the team’s fortunes.

"I was excited for the upcoming season, but now I think the program will be set back a few years," said Neal Fujihara, a longtime season-ticket holder who still plans to support the team."

Season tickets for some early purchasers arrived Tuesday and Wednesday, the days the firings and ineligibility were announced.

"I would not have bought tickets if I knew this was going to happen," said Joe Shinagawa, a season-ticket holder. "(But) I want to support the kids who are left behind, so I won’t be asking for a refund." 

Athletic director Ben Jay said, "We really can’t measure the impact (yet). I would hope that Hawaii fans would rally around this team and support these kids –that’s the most important thing to me."

Some fans have said they are either contemplating not buying tickets or may seek a refund if Fotu, an All-Big West Conference performer, remains ineligible.  

Acting coach Benjy Taylor said UH will petition the NCAA to have Fotu reinstated.

UH said it has sold 3,166 season tickets since they went on sale Oct. 6. Last year UH sold 3,192 season tickets.

Last season UH averaged 4,208 fans per game, the most since 2005-06.