Jerry and Lois Tarkanian

Men's Basketball

Basketball Court At Thomas & Mack Center To Be Rededicated In Honor Of Jerry And Lois Tarkanian

Ceremony to take place before the UNLV men's basketball regular-season opener on Tuesday, November 4 vs. UT Martin.

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV Athletics has announced that it will rededicate the court at the Thomas & Mack Center to honor both legendary Hall of Fame basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian and his wife, Lois.

The court, previously named for Jerry Tarkanian in 2005, will be officially rededicated as the Jerry and Lois Tarkanian Court during a special pregame ceremony prior to the UNLV men's basketball team's regular-season opener on November 4 against UT Martin.

The rededication honors the inseparable legacy of the Tarkanian family and their monumental contributions not only to UNLV basketball but to the entire Southern Nevada community. While Coach Tarkanian built a national powerhouse on the court, guiding the Runnin' Rebels to four Final Fours and the 1990 NCAA Championship, Lois was a formidable public servant and a fierce advocate for education throughout the state.

"This rededication is about paying respect and honoring The First Family of UNLV Basketball," said Erick Harper, UNLV Director of Athletics. "Coach Tarkanian's name is synonymous with the glory days of the Runnin' Rebels, while Lois was the heart of their partnership and also a giant in our community. Her passion for education and tireless public service left an indelible mark on this state. It is impossible to tell the story of UNLV's success without honoring them together. The Jerry and Lois Tarkanian Court will forever serve as a reminder of their united legacy."

Dr. Lois Tarkanian was a trailblazer in education, serving with distinction on the NSHE Board of Regents, where she championed policies aimed at improving student access and success across Nevada's public colleges and universities. Her career in public service also included founding innovative educational programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and a long, impactful tenure on the Las Vegas City Council. Her dedication to community and education made her a respected and beloved figure throughout the state of Nevada.

"Our family is deeply honored and humbled that UNLV has chosen to rename the basketball court as the Jerry and Lois Tarkanian Court," the Tarkanian Family said. "This tribute means the world to us – not only because it recognizes our father's legacy as a coach, but also because it includes our mother's unwavering support and dedication that was instrumental to his success and to the Runnin' Rebels program. This gesture reflects our parents values of unity and dedication and we hope it will inspire future generations on campus. UNLV has always been home to our family and this lasting recognition ensures that their impact will be felt by future generations of players, students, and fans. We are truly grateful."

The original court dedication for Jerry Tarkanian took place on November 26, 2005. Coach Tarkanian passed away in 2015, almost 10 years before Lois' passing in 2024. Having both of their names on the court at the Thomas & Mack Center ensures that the contributions of both Jerry and Lois to the university and the state of Nevada are celebrated side-by-side.

Fans are encouraged to be seated early for the pregame ceremony on Nov. 4, which also marks the wedding anniversary of Jerry and Lois.


 
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