News Summary
The Los Angeles Rams have partnered with the Hawaii Tourism Authority to enhance tourism in Hawaii, particularly focusing on Maui. This collaboration includes the Rams conducting their 2025 minicamp in Maui, promoting local engagement and recovery initiatives following the Lahaina wildfires in 2023. Hawaii is also exploring options to host its 2027 home game against UCLA at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The partnership aims to leverage sports tourism to aid in economic revitalization and strengthen community ties.
Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Rams are teaming up with the state of Hawaii to enhance tourism in the Hawaiian Islands, particularly focusing on Maui. A formal partnership has been established between the Rams and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) aimed at revitalizing tourism efforts in the region. This initiative was officially announced by Hawaii Governor Josh Green, M.D., during a delegation visit to Los Angeles.
As part of this collaboration, the Rams will conduct their 2025 minicamp in Maui, an event branded as “Mauicamp Powered by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.” The minicamp is scheduled to take place from June 16 to June 19, 2025, at War Memorial Stadium in Wailuku, Hawaii. During this time, on-field workouts are slated for June 17 and June 18, while community events for local residents will be incorporated throughout the week, fostering local engagement and involvement.
Governor Green emphasized that this initiative aligns with Hawaii’s broader economic objectives, particularly in the wake of the challenges faced by the tourism sector. Hawaii is strategically positioning itself to restore tourism levels and encourage visitors back to the islands. He noted that coupling sports events with community engagement can significantly benefit the local economy and help fund recovery initiatives, especially following the devastating wildfires in Lahaina in 2023.
In addition to the minicamp, Hawaii is exploring the possibility of relocating their 2027 home game against UCLA to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, in attempts to facilitate better attendance and excitement around the game. Ongoing discussions are also considering a potential matchup for the University of Hawaii football team at SoFi Stadium, as well as preliminary talks with the Los Angeles Raiders regarding future games. In 2027, Hawaii is set to host the UCLA Bruins, and they will also be involved in a game at the Rose Bowl in 2028. Historically, the two teams have faced each other multiple times over the past five decades, establishing a longstanding rivalry.
Hawaii’s ability to host football games has faced significant limitations since the Aloha Stadium was declared condemned in 2020. This situation has caused numerous non-conference games to be canceled due to travel concerns and conference realignment among various teams. Previously, when Aloha Stadium was operational, Hawaii averaged regular matchups against Power Five opponents each season. SoFi Stadium, located closer to UCLA, provides a practical venue for such games, allowing fans to attend with greater ease. The most recent encounter between UCLA and SoFi Stadium resulted in a victory for UCLA against Boise State during the 2023 LA Bowl.
Rams President Kevin Demoff noted that this initiative extends beyond the confines of football, aiming for meaningful community engagement and recovery efforts following the Lahaina wildfires. The Rams are actively involved in rebuilding initiatives for the impacted areas, supporting the local population in their recovery.
The partnership between the Rams and the HTA was formed last fall and represents the deepening connection forged during times of mutual support amid recent challenges. The Rams previously visited Hawaii in 2019 for a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at Aloha Stadium, marking their ongoing relationship with the islands.
The Los Angeles Rams are also leveraging this opportunity to expand their presence and brand within the Pacific Rim, using Hawaii’s tourist appeal as a strategic asset to boost their visibility and fan base. By engaging in key community efforts while promoting sports tourism, the Rams and Hawaii are working towards a shared vision of economic recovery and community cohesion.
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Additional Resources
- KHON2: The Los Angeles Rams are heading to Maui next summer
- Wikipedia: Los Angeles Rams
- SI: Puka Nacua & The Rams
- Google Search: Los Angeles Rams
- KITV: Hawaii-NFL’s Los Angeles Rams Partnership in the Works
- Google Scholar: Los Angeles Rams Hawaii
- Los Angeles Times: Rams Expanding Markets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NFL
- KITV: University of Hawaii Football Team & SoFi Stadium
- Google News: Los Angeles Rams Hawaii
