Sept. 17, 2009
LAS VEGAS - To tip-off the preseason excitement of UNLV basketball, Fashion Show mall will host Runnin' Rebel Day on Saturday, Sept. 26. The day will feature a Runnin' Rebel Rally at 4 p.m., with UNLV men's basketball head coach Lon Kruger. Following the rally, former Runnin' Rebel players (Legends) along with Kruger will sign autographs.
The rally - held in Fashion Show's Great Hall on its runway - will also feature UNLV's mascot Hey Reb as well as UNLV's cheerleaders and the Rebel Girls.
"This will be a great family event," Kruger said. "It's fun to be talking about the start of basketball season."
The rally will include leaders of the Clark County School District in recognition of the popular "Tickets for Teachers" program - a program designed last year to say "thank you" to teachers in the Las Vegas valley.
The event will also feature the debut of new videos developed to give Runnin' Rebel fans a closer look into the program. Also, this will be the first opportunity for UNLV fans to pick up the 2009-10 UNLV Runnin' Rebel schedule poster. Additional giveaway items will be available while supplies last.
From noon to 6 p.m., a Kid's Corner near the runway at Fashion Show will offer games for children. Parents can sign up children to become members of the new UNLV Rebels Kids Club. The event will conclude with local school teachers featured in a Rebel Red fashion show.
"This is an opportunity to incorporate supporting both education and UNLV basketball into a family event," Kruger said. "Our `Tickets for Teachers' program had great success in its first year and we are moving into year two with a lot of momentum."
Information on supporting the "Tickets for Teachers" program will be available and also may be obtained online by clicking here. The program is designed to provide season tickets to every elementary and middle school in the district in which principals use to give to teachers as an incentive.
The Fashion Show is also working with tenants to help support the program in the month leading up to the season.
"We're excited to join with UNLV Athletics and support local education," said Laurie Paquette, general manager of Fashion Show. "The Runnin' Rebels are a Las Vegas favorite and we're honored to team together. This is a fun way to start the countdown to the basketball season."
UNLV football plays at Wyoming that day and is scheduled to kick off at noon. Fans are invited to attend the rally after listening to the football game on ESPN Radio 1100 AM. Access to the Fashion Show is simple for Runnin' Rebel fans, directly off of Spring Mountain Road.
The Runnin' Rebels' FirstLook2009 - the team's first official practice event - will be held on Friday, Oct. 16, at 9 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. The event is free and open to the public.
UNLV will face Washburn in an exhibition game on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. At halftime of the game, the 1990 national championship team will be honored as part of its 20th anniversary celebration.
Opening Night 2009-10 is Saturday, Nov. 14, as UNLV will face Pittsburg State at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center.
