ABC to televise Air Force game

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, June 22, 2000 | 10:29 a.m.

Lights, camera, action.

For the first time in nearly two decades, UNLV's football team will appear on ABC network television.

The school announced on Wednesday that the Rebels' game on Sept. 30 against Air Force has been chosen to be shown on a regional basis by ABC. Kickoff, originally scheduled for 7 p.m., will be moved to 4 p.m. and the game will be shown locally on Channel 13.

UNLV last appeared on ABC-TV on Oct. 3, 1981, when the Rebels lost at Wyoming, 45-21.

"It's a step forward," said UNLV coach John Robinson, whose USC teams routinely appeared on ABC four or five times each season. "This program is taking steps forward. Now the thing is for us to go out and play well that day."

ABC had originally targeted UNLV's game at BYU on Sept. 23 for a regional date. However, the network changed its mind when the Cougars reportedly balked at switching the kickoff to 4 p.m.

The only other game featuring two Mountain West Conference teams that ABC selected was the San Diego State at Wyoming game on Oct. 7.

There is still a possibility UNLV could be selected to appear on some ESPN games. That schedule has not been finalized.

"This is a significant milestone in the ascension of UNLV football," athletic director Charles Cavagnaro said in a prepared statement. "For us to have one of only two conference games that were picked up by ABC truly shows how head coach John Robinson is quickly making this into a national program. Also, having it be one of our home games gives us the chance to show off the new Sam Boyd Stadium."