UNLV Governors Dinner

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UNLV Athletics Announces Inaugural Governor's Dinner & Auction

Premier philanthropic event benefiting more than 500 Rebel student-athletes set for Aug. 31 at Allegiant Stadium

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV Athletics will bring together university and community leaders, donors, corporate partners, alumni and supporters for the inaugural Governor's Dinner & Auction on Monday, Aug. 31, at Allegiant Stadium.

With the Las Vegas Raiders serving as Signature Sponsor and Murphy Electric and NextGen Protection as Presenting Sponsors, the department's premier philanthropic event will take place at the iconic Torch Landing, celebrating the extraordinary impact of Rebel Athletics while raising funds to support the growth, education, and future success of more than 500 UNLV student-athletes.

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a special program at 7 p.m., and will conclude with an exciting live auction. The program will feature university and athletics leadership, special guest Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, and keynote speaker Glenn Carano.

"Athletics are an integral part of the college experience for our students, student-athletes, and alumni, and a gateway to UNLV for our many fans and supporters here in Nevada and beyond," said Chris Heavey, Interim UNLV President. "The inaugural Governor's Dinner is the perfect way to kick off our 2026-27  sports season and to support our university's 500-plus student-athletes as they prepare for a successful year in competition and in the classroom.

"On behalf of the UNLV community, I  want to thank Governor Lombardo for joining us for this landmark inaugural event, and also thank our signature sponsor, the Las Vegas Raiders, and our presenting sponsors Murphy Electric and NextGen Protection."

Carano, the program's winningest all-time quarterback and member of the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame, helped lead the Rebels to their only undefeated regular season in 1974. A four-year letterwinner from 1973-76, he established numerous school records during his collegiate career before playing professionally with the Dallas Cowboys. A former longtime gaming and hospitality executive in the Silver State, Carano was inducted into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

"This inaugural event will provide a special opportunity for Rebel Nation and leaders throughout our community to come together in support of our student-athletes," said UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper. "The investments made through the Governor's Dinner will directly enhance the resources and opportunities available to our Rebels while helping prepare them for success in competition, in the classroom, and throughout their lives. We are grateful to Governor Lombardo, Glenn Carano, our sponsors, and everyone who will help make this an unforgettable evening."

Proceeds from the Governor's Dinner & Auction will support scholarships, academic services, athletic performance, career development, and student-athlete wellness, helping the Rebels thrive both on the field and in the classroom.

Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available at the following levels:

Rebel Sponsor – $10,000
The Rebel Sponsor package includes elite seating for 10 guests, a special gift for each guest, table wine service, special recognition, and logo placement at the event, logo placement on the UNLV Athletics website, recognition at the UNLV football season opener on Aug. 29, event program recognition, and an acknowledgement from the emcee during the program.

Scarlet Sponsor – $7,500
The Scarlet Sponsor package includes preferred seating for eight guests, recognition and logo placement at the event, logo placement on the UNLV Athletics website, event program recognition, and an acknowledgement from the emcee during the program.

Individual tickets are available for $500 per person.

Sponsorships and tickets must be purchased by Monday, Aug. 17, by visiting impact.unlv.edu/unlvgov26 or calling the Rebel Athletic Fund at 702-895-1533. Additional information is available by emailing rebelathleticfund@unlv.edu.

The suggested attire for the evening is "Sporty Chic, Rebel Red."

UNLV Athletics thanks signature sponsor, the Las Vegas Raiders, and presenting sponsors, Murphy Electric and NextGen Protection, for their generous support of the inaugural Governor's Dinner & Auction.

EVENT INFORMATION
What: Inaugural Governor's Dinner & Auction for UNLV Athletics
When: Monday, Aug. 31, 2026
Where: Torch Landing at Allegiant Stadium
Reception and Silent Auction: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dinner and Program: 7 p.m.
Live Auction: Following Dinner and Program
Special Guest: Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo
Keynote Speaker: Glenn Carano
Attire: Sporty Chic, Rebel Red
Purchase Deadline: Aug. 17, 2026
Tickets and Sponsorships: impact.unlv.edu/unlvgov26
Phone: 702-895-1533
Email: rebelathleticfund@unlv.edu


 
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