Fresno State football: Expensive trip, but Hawaii Bowl still could be profitable

Fresno State forecasts it will at the least break even — maybe even profit — from the Hawaii Bowl after losing roughly $190,000 from its trip to the postseason game in 2012.

Paul Ladwig, Fresno State’s senior associate athletic director, said lower airfare and hotel accommodations have helped reduce expenses this year. But perhaps more importantly, Ladwig noted, is that the Hawaii Bowl has stepped up its financial support and paying both participating schools $1 million each.

Fresno State received roughly $700,000 during its previous Hawaii Bowl visit.

Dave Matlin, the Hawaii Bowl executive director, declined to disclose any financial figures, citing an ESPN policy (ESPN owns the Hawaii Bowl). But he said “We try to make the Hawaii Bowl as appealing as possible.”

Fresno State’s official bowl party was 235, as it roughly is each time the Bulldogs reach a bowl. That group consists of players who were academically eligible (and not suspended), coaches and their immediate family, and the administration and support staff with their immediate families.

NCAA rules allow players to bring their wives to bowls, such as former quarterback Derek Carr the past two seasons and his wife, Heather. There aren’t any married Fresno State players who brought their wives this season.

Fresno State also brought a select number of cheerleaders and band members, though they are not considered part of the official travel party.

This story was originally published December 22, 2014 at 8:24 PM with the headline "Fresno State football: Expensive trip, but Hawaii Bowl still could be profitable."