Aug. 27, 2016
Nevada's "Countdown to Kickoff" continues each day with items you need to know about the 2016 Wolf Pack football season.
RENO, Nev. - The Wolf Pack has celebrations planned at each of the Nevada football team's six home games in 2016, including a formal recognition of the 50th university of Mackay Stadium.
Friday's season-opener against Cal Poly not only marks the opening of the $11.5 million renovation of Mackay Stadium, it also is the annual Running of the Wolves, a tradition in which the freshman class of the University leads the team out on to the field.
The Sept. 17 game against Buffalo marks the official 50th anniversary celebration of Mackay Stadium with fireworks scheduled at the game. It is also the Hall of Fame game, with the 2016 Nevada Athletics Hall of Fame class honored at halftime. The 1986 Big Sky championship team and the 1996 Big West championship team will be honored at the game.
The Fresno State game on Oct. 8 is the Pack's Pup Club game as all members of the Pup Club are invited to lead the Pack out on to Chris Ault Field at Mackay Stadium. Also, the 2006 WAC Champions Nevada soccer team will be honored at the game.
Oct. 22 is Homecoming, with the 1966 team celebrated at the game against Wyoming. That was the first team to play in the current Mackay Stadium, coached by Dick Trachok and quarterbacked by Ault. Also scheduled is a reunion for all Wolf Pack student-athletes from all sports.
The Nov. 12 game against San Diego State is Heroes Day at Mackay, with military, law enforcement, first responders and all service heroes celebrated at the game.
The home finale is Nov. 19 against Utah State and is Senior Day, with all of the Wolf Pack's senior class honored before the game. Senior members of the Wolf Pack spirit squad and marching band will be honored at halftime.
Commemorative schedule posters have been distributed around the Reno-Sparks area, including all Bully's locations, Silver and Blue Outfitters and eateries around the Nevada campus, including Archie's and the Little Waldorf.
An honorary team captain, celebrating a Wolf Pack football alumni player, will be part of the festivities at each game. For the Cal Poly game, running back Otto Kelly (1980-83). Honorary captains for the remaining games will be announced each game week.
Nevada opens the 2016 season at a newly renovated Mackay Stadium on Sept. 2 against Cal Poly as the Wolf Pack also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the facility this year.
Season tickets are still available, include some availability in the newly renovated areas. The Pack also offers flexible mini plans which include tickets for any three home games starting at just $51. Nevada also has multiple discount options in for Pup Club members, University of Nevada staff, public school teachers and city, county and state government employees.
For more information, call (775) 348-PACK. Sales are available via three methods: Online at NevadaWolfPack.com, over the phone at (775) 348-PACK, and in-person at the Lawlor Events Center Ticket Office, which is open weekdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
