By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
I strolled the sidelines at tonight’s UNLV football game and you can’t help but notice the earnestness of it all — Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois in her bright red pants with a bright smile chatting with guests; Learfield sponsor chief Dan Dolby ready to recognize sponsors during breaks in the action; and even the security guys in reflector vests who cringe when the UNLV football team gets a punt blocked.
It’s admirable to see UNLV’s leaders put on a happy face when the football team struggles so mightily on the artificial turf at Sam Boyd Stadium, which is closing shop after the season because the university’s football players will start playing their games at the Raiders’ new domed stadium not too far from the south end of the Strip.
You can’t help but appreciate work like this, even if the football team’s relevance in a busy and growing Las Vegas sports market is getting eclipsed by other sports options.
In the end, San Diego State hung on to its early lead to defeat UNLV, 20-17, with the announced attendance at 19,652. It was a noble effort by the Rebels and an attendance number that seemed higher than the actual number of people in the stadium situated not too far from the Las Vegas Wash.
UNLV marched the ball into field goal range in the final minute of the game only to have a 43-ard field goal attempt end with the football hitting the upright and not dropping through.
The UNLV squad was down 17-0 to a one-loss San Diego State late in the first half until redshirt freshman Kenyon Oblad, a local high school kid, tossed a 58-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 10 points. The Rebs had only four first downs and a net 11 rushing yards in the first half. They played a better second half but came up three points short.
The UNLV athletic department is already peddling tickets for the 2020 season at the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, which will be a big upgrade from good ol’ Sam Boyd which still has outdoor bleacher seating for the UNLV faithful and visiting fans.
During the first half, the referee even announced to the stadium public address crew, “Please refrain from playing music when the offense has the ball.”
The team has now won two of the season’s eight games so far and the prospect of watching college football in a new palatial NFL stadium seems to be the driving force behind season ticket sales for next season.
The sponsor signs on the sidelines won’t be needed at the new stadium in 2020 because UNLV will use LED signage in the venue. Dolby said he expects Rebels football sponsors to return in 2020.
But will UNLV coach Tony Sanchez be returning? He helped with the Fertitta family fund-raising to build a UNLV football training center on campus. Unfortunately, the always-upbeat Sanchez might lose his job given the losses that have piled up during his tenure.
About 15 minutes after UNLV kicker Daniel Gutierrez booted a football that went kerplunk off the upright, Sam Boyd Stadium’s stands were cleared out and family and friends were waiting outside the Rebs’ locker room.
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