UNLV Athletics is planning a pregame tribute before this Saturday's football game against San Diego State, to honor victims and local heroes of Sunday's horrific attack on the Las Vegas Strip.
"Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims and the families impacted by this senseless act of violence," Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois said. "While football is just a game, it can also serve as a rallying point of unity and allow all of us to recognize the incredible heroism displayed by so many this week. We are all extremely proud of our community's response over the last couple of days."
Here is the special helmet @unlvfootball will wear Saturday in tribute to the victims and in honor of the heroes from Sunday. #VegasStrong pic.twitter.com/ojJ49mhSFl
— UNLV Athletics (@UNLVathletics) October 4, 2017
The pregame ceremony will honor the victims and recognize representatives from first-responder organizations, medical personnel and other local heroes. It will also include a full-field, 100-yard American Flag during the national anthem. The transport and use of the flag, which is housed in California, was made possible by assistance from the Las Vegas Bowl and San Diego's Holiday Bowl.
Head Coach Tony Sanchez with some strong words and an inspiring message about this great city of Las Vegas: pic.twitter.com/Vu7sw8Wt03
— Kevaney Martin (@KevaneyMartin) October 3, 2017
In a show of unity by UNLV and San Diego State, both teams will affix red ribbon decals to their helmets with the words `Las Vegas' on them. In addition, members of both schools' coaching staffs will wear ribbons. The ribbon will also appear on the playing field. In conjunction with the UNLV Alumni Association, fans in attendance will also be given wearable ribbons upon entry.
You'll see UNLV football coaches wearing these shirts during Saturday night's football game vs San Diego State. pic.twitter.com/t0yS86aNCL
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) October 5, 2017
Kickoff between the Rebels and No. 19 Aztecs is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. at Sam Boyd Stadium Saturday, Oct. 7. The game will be shown nationally on ESPN2.
