New head coach Dave Rice watches as his players are introduced during the Rebels’ first scrimmage Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011.
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 | 2:05 a.m.
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Dave Rice is doing more than coaching the UNLV basketball team. He’s also helping at the box office.
The hype surrounding Rice, the Rebels’ first-year coach who was part of the 1990 national championship team, has helped generate 700 new season ticket holders, said D.J. Allen, UNLV Sr. associate athletic director.
Here’s a sign of the progress: During a free scrimmage last Sunday at the Thomas & Mack Center, 14 season tickets plans were purchased, Allen said.
"Fans are pumped about coach Rice and his style of play as well as the talented group of guys coming back," said Allen, who oversees communications, marketing and community outreach. "We have a ton of momentum from the events this past weekend, and the buzz being generated about Rebel basketball is spreading across the valley.”
Season tickets start at $105 for end zone balcony and $195 for the sideline balcony. Season tickets in the plaza, or lower bowl, start at $505.
Last year, Allen said UNLV had about 6,000 season ticket purchasers. This year, they have reached 95 percent of that mark with three weeks before the Nov. 11 season opener. Typically, sales spike in the days prior to the first game.
“We anticipate having a few great weeks of sales prior to opening night,” Allen said.
Single-game tickets will go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Monday. For the opener against Grand Canyon on Nov. 11, all balcony seats are $11. Other home games of note are: Nov. 14 against UNR, Dec. 23 against Cal, Jan. 21 against New Mexico and Feb. 11 against San Diego State. Visit UNLVtickets.com for a complete schedule and prices.
The school’s advertising slogan of “Let’s Run” in reference to Rice’s desire for an up-tempo offense reminiscent of the program’s glory days has clearly piqued the interest of locals.
"Coach Rice is the perfect fit for this program,” Allen said. “The guys are excited that he's here and the fans are fired up about his up-tempo offense and his passion for the Rebels.”
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