Robinson, UNLV build practice field of dreams

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000 | 10:19 a.m.

UNLV's football players may have a hard time recognizing their Rebel Park practice field when they report for two-a-day workouts in two weeks.

Not only will coach John Robinson's squad be greeted by new lights, but the main entrance to the field has undergone a major renovation.

Gone is the drab chain-link fence. In its place are large swinging scarlet colored gates with the words, "Rebel Park" in bright gold. A cement patio area will also be poured this week and will be surrounded by a number of trees.

If you didn't know better, you might think you were on your way to the swimming pool at the Flamingo Hilton or Mandalay Bay, not a pair of football practice fields.

"It'll be a great place to greet people," Robinson said. "We could have picnics or recruiting functions there."

To say the addition brightens up the facility would be an understatement.

"Our players come by and see it and say, 'Wow,' " Robinson said. "We thought that we had a great practice field area here. Why not make it as good as any in America? I think it helps to improve the overall image of the program."

Robinson credited a pair of UNLV boosters, Bruce Bayne and Ernie Becker, for making the project a reality. Both are contractors who have donated all the materials and labor.

"They've done a great job," Robinson said. "And it didn't cost the taxpayers one cent."

The Rebel Football Foundation raised $100,000 for the new lights.

"We basically had parking lot lights before," Robinson said. "Now they're first class."

The practice field makeover started earlier in the year when another booster, Terry Mandley, helped erect a viewing area by Earl E. Wilson Stadium complete with palm trees.

Robinson also praised groundskeeper Jim Bozarth for improving the grass on the field.

"He's a real star," Robinson said.

Robinson said he eventually plans to add an artificial turf practice area to better help prepare his team for games not played on grass.

"When we're done, there won't be many schools in the country with any better practice facilities," Robinson said.