By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
UNLV will be allowed to have up to 2,000 fans for its football game with University of Nevada, Reno at Allegiant Stadium Oct. 31 — less than the 6,500 fans the university was hoping for.
UNLV is limited to three percent of capacity in the 65,000-seat domed stadium for the 2020 home-opener that will feature the first football fans to see a game inside the palatial venue that was a $2 billion project, including $750 million in public dollars. The Las Vegas Raiders are not having any fans at their home games.
UNLV is working with Allegiant Stadium on costs to stage a game at the new venue. Those costs are not finalized, according to UNLV Athletics.
The 2,000 fans who do get into Allegiant Stadium for the UNLV vs UNR game set for 7:30 PM Oct. 31 will be screened upon entry and be required to wear face coverings and maintain social distance. The state’s approval for the fans at UNLV football games are for only the first two games at Allegiant Stadium. Plans for UNLV football games after Nov. 14 must be re-submitted,
We appreciate the work of the Southern Nevada Health District and the state of Nevada throughout this process. We have been in constant communication with both entities as well as with Allegiant Stadium to interpret the guidelines with respect to specific facility capabilities. The health and safety of everyone involved, both on the field and in the stands, is our primary concern, and although attendance will be limited, we can’t wait to get our season started and look forward to next Saturday’s historic home-opener in Allegiant Stadium. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff have worked tirelessly to prepare for the season and I want to remind everyone to continue to promote personal responsibility and to follow all important safety protocols, including the wearing of masks. — UNLV Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois
A limited number of single-game tickets will be available for Rebel Athletic Fund members who are current season ticket holders. Ticket prices start at $110 for the UNLV vs UNR game Oct. 31 and the UNLV vs Boise State game Dec. 4 and $88 for the games against Fresno State Nov. 7 and Wyoming Nov. 27.
Season ticket holders who bought tickets for the 2020 season can defer the funds to 2021 season tickets, donate the funds to the Rebel Athletic Fund or receive a refund. The first two options allow season ticket holders to keep their same seats for 2021.