April 23, 2002
LAS VEGAS - Fans can get an early preview of this fall's UNLV football team as well as its new practice surface at Kick Off 2002 presented by Findlay Toyota, which is set for Saturday April 27.
Scheduled to run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bill "Wildcat" Morris Rebel Park on campus, the fourth annual free event offers a unique way to meet the team and coaching staff as well as seeing the new $1 million AstroPlay synthetic surface of the Ernie Becker Sr. Football Fields.
The players are scheduled to hold their first and only extended scrimmage of spring practice beginning at 11 a.m. while head coach John Robinson will once again host the affair via a wireless microphone.
Kick Off 2002 will also feature the school's band and mascot, Hey Reb, as well as areas for kids that include a bounce house, an athletic training table for taping and the opportunity to try out the Rebels' official uniform and helmet. A dunk tank will also be part of the fun to help raise money for UNLV Kids Korner. In addition to Findlay Toyota, the event is sponsored by the UNLV Rebel Football Foundation and parking is free.
The first 500 fans of Kick Off 2002 will receive a mini-frisbee while the first 1,000 fans can go home with a UNLV football water bottle courtesy of Findlay Toyota. Fans will also enjoy free Pepsi products and complimentary Popsicles courtesy of Anderson Dairy. Also available will be free team mini-posters that can be used for player autographs following the scrimmage. Also, fans purchasing new season tickets at the event will receive a UNLV football car flag. Following the scrimmage, everyone is invited to a barbecue at the field. Catered by Big Dog's Hospitality Group, the cost is $5.
"We invite everyone in the Las Vegas to come out and see that UNLV's practice facilities are now among the best in the nation," Robinson said. "With the addition of the Ernie Becker Sr. fields, this place is a showplace for our players, our university and our community."
KICK OFF 2002 TIMELINE
10:30 am Doors Open10:45 am Team Stretch11 am Free Team Scrimmage11:45 am-1 pm Big Dog's Barbecue - $5
