HONOLULU -- Local restaurants and retailers are hoping to score some late summer business thanks to Thursday’s game, which pits the University of Hawaii Warriors against the University of Southern California Trojans.

At the Royal Hawaiian hotel’s Mai Tai bar Monday evening in Waikiki, USC fans sipped on cool drinks and enjoyed a Hawaiian sunset.

USC graduates Campbell and Krista Coulter said they jumped on the opportunity to turn Thursday's game into a Hawaiian vacation.

“We are on the east coast so its hard for us to make it back to the USC games, so we figures we would take a vacation and check out Hawaii while were here,” said USC fan Campbell Coulter. “We are calling it like, our third honeymoon,” said Coulter.

Roughly 5,000 Trojans fans are expected to attend the season opener at the Aloha Stadium.

“It’s everyone, from students to current students, previous students, alumni, parents of students, our players and their families,” said USC Director of Alumni Special Interests Danielle Harvey.

The majority of USC fans took advantage of package deals and are staying at hotels in Waikiki. The increase in visitors comes during a normally slower month for the state's tourism industry.

“Its a great thing for us and Hawaii in general. Usually, after summer things slow down a bit what we call, 'the shoulder season' so to have USC here this time is great for football, it's great for the economy,” said Jim Palank, director of sales and marketing of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Palank said the Royal Hawaiian is sold out for Thursday’s game, with fans from across the world.

“They are here to spend money and they are from a great market for us, which is California. We got people coming from Asia Pacific that went to USC,” said Palank.

The last three times Hawaii hosted USC, the games sold out.

“This is the best venue for an away game that you could pick. I’m very excited. We have had a great time so far and are looking forward to the game,” said USC fan, James Krantz.

University of Hawaii officials said tickets are still available.

The kickoff is slated for 5 p.m.