Special section: Tailgating area part of stadium upgrade

Victoria Sun

Thursday, Aug. 29, 2002 | 9:11 a.m.

There will be plenty of room for UNLV fans to light up the grill for a pre-game barbeque at Sam Boyd Stadium this season.

An extra four acres of grass was added to the previous five reserved for tailgaters adjacent to the North parking lot off Tropicana Avenue to allow more Rebel revelers to enjoy pre-game festivities.

A spot on the grass is $5 with proceeds benefitting the Kids Corner charity.

"It provides a better atmosphere and comfort zone for people not to be parking on dirt," stadium director Daren Libonati said. "We're excited because it enhances the game-going experience."

Before kickoff, fans can enjoy the interactive Rebel Experience, featuring food and live entertainment, located on the northwest side of the stadium near the tailgate area.

The expanded tailgate area is one of the major stadium renovations over the last two years.

The concourse was widened from 10 to 30 feet and restrooms were added throughout the stadium. There also are more vendors on the concourse offering smoothies, snacks and a new line of Rebel merchandise called Rebel Pride.

Another recent amenity is a large scoreboard for showing replays and advertisements. On the field, 4,500 seats will be added to the north end zone for UNLV's season opener against Wisconsin. Starting this year, 600 seats in the south end zone will be reserved for students.

"The concept coach (John) Robinson and the athletic department looked at was the experience students were having at the games," Libonati said. "In the past, they were always in the grandstand.

"This was a way to give students an opportunity to really support their team and have a better experience. It has also allowed us to sell other tickets to the public.

Tickets also will be available for the Family Fun Zone, an alcohol and smoke-free area, starting Sept. 7 when the Rebels host Kansas. The cost is $38 which includes four tickets, four pregame meals, giveaway items and visits by cheerleaders and Hey Reb, the UNLV mascot.

Those with deep pockets can purchase one of 488 club seats in the west tower for $2,500 to $3,500 which includes VIP parking and catered food. A club seat allows access to every event in the stadium for one year.

Tickets can be purchased at three university venues, Sam Boyd Stadium, Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, and also can be purchased through UNLVtickets.com, with outlets in Station casinos and the Galleria, Meadows and Boulevard malls.

And for those who overindulge in beer or other alcoholic beverages, the stadium is continuing its Good Sport program that debuted in the middle of last season. Inebriated fans will be provided with a free ride home.

Now you're ready for some football.