It's Friday and that means it's a Get Your Reb On Friday. Are you wearing Rebel gear?

The opportunities here at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas are endless. Do we have our challenges due to the economy? Of course we do - who doesn't right now? But there are so many possibilities for us to keep getting better that it excites me to get into the office every day and face the challenges. I hope you enjoy this quick update on your UNLV Athletics & Entertainment department.

On-Campus Village and Stadium Project

Last week, the Board of Regents voted to approve a 150-day agreement to negotiate with Majestic Realty Co. to develop a 150-acre mixed use project that includes an on-campus stadium and a university village with retail outlets and student housing. If this project moves forward, it will transform UNLV, Las Vegas and higher education in Nevada. Click here to check out this quick video about the exciting concept or visit UNLVNow.com... I know some of you might be asking, "Where is this money coming from? Aren't we talking about drastic cuts to higher education?" That's what is so creative about this project. The funding model Majestic is working on would not require university funds. We need to THINK BIG to improve UNLV and not many people in the world think bigger than Majestic.

Rebel Athletic Fund "Thank You" video

We've received a lot of great feedback from the "Thank You" video featuring our student-athletes that has been played at the last two men's home basketball games. I want to echo that message - thank you to our Rebel Athletic Fund members. Because of you, we are able to grow these young men and women academically, socially and athletically. You help to change the lives of our almost 500 student-athletes daily. Click here to view the video.

RAF renewals

Speaking of the Rebel Athletic Fund, our renewals for the 2011-12 season are scheduled to be sent the week of March 14. The deadline for payment or to have begun your payment plan is May 20... Please be aware we are moving up a few deadlines to better serve our supporters. This week our RAF members should have received in the mail our annual report as well as information outlining some of the schedule revisions for donation renewals, purchasing tickets, etc. If you have any questions, please call the RAF at (702) 895-1533.

Baseball Opener tonight at 6 p.m.

There is a buzz in Las Vegas about UNLV baseball and rightfully so. Many Southern Nevadans have watched Tim Chambers build winning baseball programs in recent decades and they are excited about what the new UNLV coach can do here... Opening Night is tonight at 6 p.m. at Wilson Stadium. We hope to see you sometime this weekend - either tonight, Saturday at 2 p.m. (a doubleheader) or Sunday at 1 p.m... Remember, kids 12-and-under are always free. Rebel baseball is the best value in Las Vegas.

Chambers' Challenge

Help support UNLV Baseball through our Chambers' Challenge by donating money to the program through every home run we hit this season and every strikeout a Rebel pitcher records... We also have challenges for UNLV Softball and Women's Golf. For more information, call the Rebel Athletic Fund at (702) 895-1533.

This Saturday - National Girls and Women in Sports Day

We'll be celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day this Saturday. Prior to our 3 p.m. women's basketball contest against Colorado State, we'll be hosting a free clinic for girls in grades 1-8 inside the Thomas & Mack Center, starting at 1 p.m... Girls will have the opportunity to learn sport fundamentals from UNLV women student-athletes in basketball, golf, soccer, track and field, volleyball, dance and cheer. All girls participating in the clinic will receive a free ticket to watch the Lady Rebels take on Colorado State. All tickets for non-clinic participants are just $1, while children 12 and under are always free.

Mountain West Conference Basketball Championships

Early ticket sales for the 2011 Mountain West Conference Basketball Championships at the Thomas & Mack Center March 8-12 are at an all-time high. While we are past the deadline for fans to acquire tickets through our Rebel Athletic Fund, tickets are available at UNLVtickets.com. (These tickets are not in the UNLV section.) If you did not get a chance to be at last year's semifinal Friday night at the T&M, it was an amazing atmosphere for college basketball. Don't miss out. Visit UNLVtickets.com or call (702) 739-FANS.

Spring Football begins Feb. 28

Football coach Bobby Hauck will lead his team through spring practice beginning Feb. 28. The practices are open to the public so come out and see some of the young student-athletes who are going to play a big role in building this program. Despite the struggles we had last season playing such a challenging schedule, everywhere I go throughout the community people are excited about the culture change they are seeing Bobby lead our program through. So are we... Also, clear your schedule for the morning of Saturday, April 2 to come out to Sam Boyd Stadium to check out the Rebels in their Spring Showcase event to wrap-up spring practice. It's going to be a fun atmosphere for families. More information will come soon.

These Events Are Special

The USA Sevens Rugby event at Sam Boyd Stadium last weekend was an amazing event. The crowds jumped in the event's second year in Las Vegas. And with Sevens becoming an Olympic sport and NBC getting more involved, each year Sevens will get bigger and bigger... Next up for us on the entertainment side of our organization is the incredible 2011 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam World Finals at Sam Boyd Stadium on March 25. If you have never been (and it usually sells out), you must check it out. Fans have a great time and it's as festive of an atmosphere as you'll find. And you don't have to be a monster truck expert to enjoy the event. Tickets are still available. Call (702) 739-FANS or visit UNLVtickets.com... Remember, attending special events at the Thomas & Mack Center, Sam Boyd Stadium and Cox Pavilion supports UNLV and higher education in Nevada.

It's definitely a GREAT TIME to be a REBEL. Hope you have a terrific weekend. Thank you for your support and GO REBELS!
 

Sincerely,

Jim Livengood
Director of Athletics