The New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) is pushing ahead, with recent contracts powering the transition from the iconic Aloha Stadium to an anticipated new venue, according to reports. These agreements have effectively set the stage for the dismantling of the old stadium, clearing the way for construction to begin on the new 22,500-seat facility anticipated for completion in spring 2029. KITV notes that the old stadium might see the start of demolition by the end of September.
David Harris, New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District Program Director, illustrated the progress: "We've been working collaboratively, updating designs, management plans, refining budgets and of course, two agreements that were just recently executed," he told KITV. "The hard work really starts now with actually taking this existing stadium down and building something new and amazing for the State of Hawai'i," he added. Meanwhile, a celebration of the stadium's legacy is in the works with a farewell concert scheduled for Saturday, October 25.
Further details on the agreements were reported by Hawaii News Now, which highlighted the finalized Stadium Development and Operation Agreement and the Initial Ground Lease. The former delineates Aloha Halawa District Partners' (AHDP) responsibilities in dismantling, construction, operation, and maintenance of new facility, while the latter grants AHDP access to the site for the required activities. Demolition is targeted for completion by July 2026, with the new stadium's doors set to open in March 2029.
“Today’s agreements are an encouraging milestone for the new Aloha Stadium and for the future of UH Athletics,” University of Hawaii Athletics Director Matt Elliott expressed in a statement obtained by Hawaii News Now. The new stadium will not only be a beacon for sports but also a flexible venue capable of hosting a variety of events, designed with an eye on football, soccer, rugby, concerts, community events, and more. It can feature 22,500 seats, with provisions to expand if additional funding is secured. Remaining real estate-related agreements for the district are expected to be cemented in the coming months.
