March 28, 2005

LAS VEGAS - UNLV football holds its first spring practice of the year on March 29 to begin a 15-session schedule that will culminate with the return of a traditional spring game for the first time in more than a decade on April 22.

The Rebels pull on the pads under new head coach Mike Sanford for the first time and will once again have the luxury of performing on the AstroPlay synthetic surface at Ernie Becker Sr. Football Fields at Bill "Wildcat" Morris Rebel Park.

UNLV is scheduled to practice every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00-6:15 p.m. and each Friday at 5:30-7:30. However, there will not be a practice on Wednesday, April 20.

All practices are open to the public but please note that, unlike previous practices, viewing areas will be restricted.

The team's spring event, Friday Night Rebels, will be held April 22 at Sam Boyd Stadium. The public is invited to attend the free Scarlet vs. Gray spring game from approximately 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. while a barbecue dinner with the team will follow. When purchased in advance, tickets for the Memphis Barbecue meal are $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 3-12 and free for children 2 and younger (prices are $12 and $7 day of event).

Tickets for the BBQ can be purchased three ways starting this Wednesday: by telephone at (702) 739-FANS, via the internet at UNLVtickets.com or in person at the Thomas & Mack Center box office.

UNLV opens its 2005 season on Sept. 3 when it travels to Mountain West Conference rival New Mexico. The Rebels' home opener will be Sept. 10 vs. Idaho.

Season tickets for the program's five-game home schedule are on sale now by calling 739-FANS.

UNLV 2005 SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE - OPEN TO THE PUBLICPLEASE NOTE: ALL DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGEMarch 29   Tuesday      Practice 1   No Pads  4:00-6:15 pmMarch 30   Wednesday    Practice 2   No Pads  4:00-6:15 pmMarch 31   Thursday     Practice 3   Pads     4:00-6:15 pmApril 1    Friday       Practice 4   Pads     5:30-7:30 pmApril 5    Tuesday      Practice 5   Pads     4:00-6:15 pmApril 6    Wednesday    Practice 6   Pads     4:00-6:15 pmApril 7    Thursday     Practice 7   Pads     4:00-6:15 pmApril 8    Friday       Practice 8   Pads     5:30-7:30 pmApril 12   Tuesday      Practice 9   Pads     4:00-6:15 pmApril 13   Wednesday    Practice 10  Pads     4:00-6:15 pmApril 14   Thursday     Practice 11  Pads     4:00-6:15 pmApril 15   Friday       Practice 12  Pads     5:30-7:30 pmApril 19   Tuesday      Practice 13  Pads     4:00-6:15 pmApril 20   Wednesday    No PracticeApril 21   Thursday     Practice 14  No Pads  4:00-6:15 pmApril 22   Friday      SPRING GAME   6:00 pm at Sam Boyd Stadium