New tailgating area set up to draw fans

Tim Graham

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 1997 | 8:30 a.m.

According to UNLV, there were four major reasons people steered clear of Sam Boyd Stadium on game nights:

They did not enjoy the parking rate, the level of competition or the expensive concessions. So UNLV eliminated the fee, joined the Western Athletic Conference and implemented food and beverage specials.

The solution to the alleged fourth problem was unveiled Monday.

After hearing too many complaints that the college atmosphere surrounding Rebel football games was too dull, program supporters created the "Rebel Experience."

"It's another reason to come out to the stadium," said Pat Christenson, director of Sam Boyd and the Thomas & Mack Center. "No matter how good or bad the football team is playing, it gives people other reasons to show up."

The new tailgating area, which took an estimated $100,000 in donations and two months to construct, is located in the northwest quadrant of the Sam Boyd grounds. The former parking lot is now 64,000 square feet of grass and trees with six 30 x 60 concrete pads on which groups can set up tents.

The "Rebel Experience" includes a stage, where bands will perform before and after games. Saturday's act will be the local 1970s cover band Boogie Knights. The area also features 25 concession, merchandise and interactive game booths.

The area will open three hours prior to kickoff and close two hours after the final gun. Admission is free.

Rebels head coach Jeff Horton considers the addition an asset to his team, which opens its home season Saturday at 7:05 p.m. against Hawaii.

"It's big time," Horton said. "There's nothing better than coming to the stadium and seeing all your fans getting revved up. It shows the guys people care. We need that. We gotta get that."

Extra points

* IRELAND HONORED: On the eve of Saturday night's home opener against Hawaii, UNLV will honor the father of Rebel football, Bill Ireland, with a tribute dinner at the MGM. Ireland founded the program in 1967 and become its first coach one year later. He also was UNLV's athletic director from 1973-80. Tickets to the event -- cocktails at 7 p.m. followed by dinner at 8 p.m. -- are $50. Proceeds will go to scholarships. For more information, call 895-3454.

* HAWAIIAN PIPELINE: UNLV's roster contains eight Hawaiians: running back Micah Ancheta, receiver Chad Akana, offensive lineman Matt Parkhurst, defensive linemen Faaolo Alovao and Danny Pacheco, linebacker James Sunia and defensive backs Kawika Batoon and Andre Teixeira. The only states with more team representatives are Nevada and California. The Rebels also have two coaches -- America Samoa native Sam Papalii and Robert Anae -- who have coached on the Islands.

* JAMES THE SAME: True freshman Duane James was re-evaluated Monday. The speedy receiver aggravated a stress fracture in his right foot during training camp in Mesquite and had it placed in a cast. The cast was removed Monday, but trainer Kyle Wilson said James won't be given clearance to practice for another few weeks. James still will red-shirt unless an emergency presents itself in the season's final weeks. ... Although they suffered concussions against Air Force Saturday, senior receiver Todd Floyd and freshman defensive back Randy Black practiced Monday.

* PAPER OR PLASTIC: No matter how a Hawaii opponent wants it, an opponent gets its share of sacks. The Rainbows have recorded 13 sacks in their three games. Outside linebacker Kamuela Cobb-Adams leads the team with four. UNLV has one sack in its two games.

* UNLV FAVORED: The Rebels are favored by 3 1/2 points over the Rainbows, according to the underground line. While wagering on UNLV and Nevada-Reno athletics remains a federal offense in this state, legal betting takes place in Mexico, offshore and overseas. The Scripps Howard power ratings consider the Rebels between a 2- and 2 1/2-point favorite.

* GRID TIDBITS: Hawaii leads the series 10-3 and has won seven straight. In those 10 victories, the Rainbows have scored 50 points four times. ... Hawaii sophomore Chad Shrout is averaging 48.2 yards per punt, which ranks No. 1 in the WAC and No. 3 in the nation. According to former NFL All-Pro tight end Russ Francis, now a sports talk show host in Hawaii, Shrout boomed a 62 yarder -- entirely in the air -- against Wyoming last week. ... The Rainbows have not allowed an opponent to score in the third quarter this year. They also have given up a total of 156 yards in that period.