The University of Nevada, Las Vegas football program has announced that its 2026 home opener will take place on Saturday, August 29, when the Rebels host the Memphis Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:10 p.m., but the celebration begins hours earlier as the campus transforms into a festival of sport and local pride.
A Celebration Beyond the Game
The event is billed as more than a game; it is a community‑wide experience that honors first responders, educators and health‑care workers through a dedicated Community Heroes Day. Attendees will be invited to the Rebel Village Fan Zone in Lot C, where a lineup of activities will run from 4 p.m. onward.
Inside the fan zone, a new Rebel Pregame Party will offer an all‑you‑can‑eat package that includes beer and wine for $40 for guests 21 and older and $20 for those under 21. The price of admission grants fans access to a variety of entertainment options, including a live performance by a Killers tribute band on the Star Nursery Stage.
The UNLV Cheer Team will make a special appearance, and sponsors IBEW will distribute glow batons that fans can collect throughout the day. In addition, participants can pick up a Game Day Pin and a set of commemorative collector cards to display their pin collection.
A highlight of the evening will be an autograph session with the Runnin’ Rebels, scheduled from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Coors Light Landing, giving supporters a chance to meet their favorite players up close. For those seeking a premium experience, the Wynn Field Club will open its doors before and after the game for guests 21 and older.
The day’s schedule also includes a Raising Cane’s 50‑50 raffle that will be drawn during the second half, with the winning number announced after the final whistle. Parking lots will open at 3 p.m., stadium doors at 5:30 p.m., and the overall atmosphere is designed to keep fans engaged from the moment they arrive until the game’s conclusion.