LAS VEGAS – As part of the UNLV Athletics Department's season-long Sam Boyd Stadium Farewell celebration (#SBSFarewell), the Rebel football team will wear a special throwback helmet in its opening game vs. Southern Utah August 31.
 
The silver helmet, which features an interlocking "UN" in red block lettering, is in honor of the same helmet design that UNLV wore from 1969-72, including the 1971 season when the team first played games in what is now known as Sam Boyd Stadium. After 49 years at the site, the Rebels in 2020 will move to the $1.9 billion Allegiant Stadium closer to campus.
 
The "UN" logo was designed by original UNLV head coach Bill Ireland, who led the program during its first five seasons before stepping down to serve as the school's director of athletics.
 
The Rebels' season-opener vs. the Thunderbirds, which kicks off at 7 p.m. PT, will celebrate the 1970s as each game throughout the season will commemorate a specific decade. As part of #SBSFarewell, a former Rebel great will represent all the players from their decade while serving as honorary captain during the pregame coin toss.
 
Fans are encouraged to use #SBSFarewell in their social media posts to share photos and memories of the nearly half-century of games played at Sam Boyd Stadium. Select content will be shared on UNLV Athletics' social media accounts and on the video board during game days. A special page at unlvrebels.com will include photos, video and feature stories to highlight the facility's nearly five decades of hosting not only UNLV football, but also special events, concerts, competitions and the sport of football on nearly every level. 
 
Season ticket holders will receive a commemorative mini-replica of Sam Boyd Stadium (one per account) and special T-shirt giveaways will feature a decade-specific design for the first five games while the final home contest on Nov. 23 vs. San Jose State will feature a commemorative coin and an invitation to all former UNLV football players and staff to return to the stadium one last time to say goodbye.
 
#SBSFarewell Game-By-Game Schedule
Aug. 31, vs. Southern Utah — Celebration of the 1970s/Home Opener/Throwback Helmet
Sept. 7, vs. Arkansas State — Celebration of the 1980s/Kids Night/Extra Yard for Teachers
Oct. 5, vs. Boise State — Celebration of the 1990s/Heroes Night/Black Out
Oct. 26, vs. San Diego State — Celebration of the 2000s/Breast Cancer Awareness Night
Nov. 16, vs. Hawai'i — Celebration of the 2010s/Homecoming/Red Effect/Ninth Island Showdown
Nov. 23, vs. San Jose State — Celebration of all former Rebels/Final Game Commemoration/Senior Day
 
UNLV 2019 season tickets, which start as low as $99, are available now and as part of UNLV's Faithful Fan Pricing initiative, fans purchasing season tickets this year may purchase season tickets for the same per-game price in Allegiant Stadium opening in 2020.
 
Single-game and season tickets are now on sale. In addition, this year's mini-plan allows fans to purchase tickets for the games vs. Boise State, San Diego State and Hawai'i for one low price that includes a meal combo and the commemorative giveaway T-shirt each week. Prices for the mini-plan are $99 for end-zone locations and $150 for sideline seats. Mini-plans, as well as full season tickets are available now by calling (702) 739-3267 (FANS) or visiting unlvtickets.com.