Las Vegas Sun

March 19, 2024

UNLV quick hits:

Rebels will host Jackson State and its marching band to kick off season

2015 Photo Favorites by L.E. Baskow

L.E. Baskow

UNLV head coach Tony Sanchez and his players get ready in the tunnel to meet San Jose State on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, at Sam Boyd Stadium.

UNLV football will open the 2016 season at home against Jackson State University, it was announced today. Equally important for entertainment purposes, Jackson State is bringing its marching band, too.

The game, which will be played on Thursday, Sept. 1, at Sam Boyd Stadium, is a special partnership between UNLV and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Jackson State will receive $600,000 for making the trip, according to the Clarion-Ledger. However, that does not include travel costs for its famed marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South, or the cheerleaders and dance team, the Prancing J-Settes.

“We wanted our season opener to stand out as we celebrate the program that head coach Tony Sanchez is building here, and this will be more than just a game, it will be a party,” UNLV Athletics Director Tina Kunzer-Murphy said in a statement. “UNLV is excited to help the LVCVA promote our community through helping us bring in a historic FCS program.”

The Jackson State marching band and dance team will appear at a public pep rally and other events surrounding the game in Las Vegas.

This game completes UNLV’s 2016 nonconference slate. After hosting Jackson State, the Rebels will take back-to-back road trips to UCLA (Sept. 10) and Central Michigan (Sept. 17) before hosting Idaho on Sept. 24.

Kickoff time and TV information for all games will be determined at a later date.

Click to enlarge photo

Members of the Jackson State University marching band's drumline breaks out in a dance routine during a rendition of the song, "The Show" by hip-hop artist Doug E. Fresh during the annual homecoming parade, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 in Jackson, Miss.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.

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