MOSCOW, Idaho — In the football biosphere known as the Kibbie Dome, every day is 70 degrees, there is no wind — trade or otherwise — and no chance of mauka showers.

In the land of "Napoleon Dynamite," the conditions could be described as "sweet."

"If you're a quarterback," said Colt Brennan, UH's starting quarterback, "it's the place to throw the ball. No wind. No elements. It's just you throwing that rock."

After the Warriors' 90-minute dress rehearsal, in preparation for today's Western Athletic Conference opener against Idaho, UH coach June Jones declared the arena to be in fit condition.

Asked if his players would have difficulty with the track lighting, Jones said, "I wouldn't anticipate that at all."

The bright green playing surface resembles the Brady Bunch's backyard. The AstroTurf Magic Carpet, a three-quarter-inch-thick green rug rolled onto rubberized asphalt, is considered to be a "hard" field, according to the UH coaches. But the surface is not "grasping," arena workers insist, leading to fewer knee injuries and creating faster traction. For the Warriors, who are emphasizing quickness on both sides, "a fast surface will help us," UH wideout Ian Sample said.

"It's fast for everybody," UH defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said. "It'll be a fast game."

Jones has had success with the Houston Oilers, Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons — three teams who have domes for home stadiums.

"I don't see us having any problems adjusting," Jones said.

The Warriors will wear "the sleeves" — specially made long-sleeved cotton shirts — as protection against rug burns and cuts.

Most will wear turf shoes; returner Andre Taylor said he will wear basketball shoes. "It'll have more support for my ankles," Taylor said.

The players were offered tinted face shields. Only freshman running back Mario Cox practiced with the shield.

Glanville, who was the head coach of two NFL teams, said the sound is amplified naturally in a dome. "Twenty thousand can sound like 50,000," he said.

The Warriors have practiced using hand signals to call plays — a tactic that might be unnecessary today. By adding portable chairs, the Kibbie Dome's seating capacity can expand to 18,000. But the largest crowd was 17,600, in 1989, and the end zone section will not be opened today.

"No excuses," Glanville said.

For the Warriors, the biggest concern will be the game itself. The Vandals employ an active 4-3, zone-blitzing scheme that has troubled the Warriors in the past. What's more, the Warriors are not at full strength.

Brennan did not practice last week while recovering from a sprained right (throwing) shoulder.

Running back Bryan Maneafaiga has endured a pulled left hamstring since the season-opener against Southern California. He did not take a handoff or run a pass route yesterday. Jones said Maneafaiga will rotate with David Farmer and Kala Latuselu. "He'll go until he blows up," Jones said.

Jones said Cox "will see a little action, but it'll be guarded." Cox, who missed training camp and UH's first game while awaiting the NCAA's approval of his eligibility, is struggling to learn the blocking schemes.

On defense, nose tackle Keala Watson, cornerback Keao Monteilh and safety Landon Kafentzis will make their first NCAA starts. Jones said cornerback Kenny Patton, who has a sprained right shoulder, will start.

"We were banged up," Brennan said, "but we'll be ready to go."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.