The City of Henderson is excited to host the iconic UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Men’s Basketball team for the first time ever as they face Hawai’i on Wednesday, December 7, at The Dollar Loan Center.
“Since The Dollar Loan Center opened in March, Henderson has been thrilled to host major sporting events like the Big West Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, the Indoor Football League Championships and now this historic UNLV Men’s Basketball game,” said Mayor Debra March. “They’ll be in great company with Henderson’s hometown teams the Silver Knights, Vegas Knight Hawks and Ignite, and we look forward to welcoming Runnin’ Rebels fans to enjoy all that our great city has to offer.”
Not only is Henderson home to five professional sports teams, but it is also home to UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Head Coach Kevin Kruger.
“We love calling Henderson home,” Kruger said. “It’s a terrific place to raise a young family. My parents lived in Henderson years ago and the community has been a part of our lives for almost 20 years now. Bringing the Runnin’ Rebels to the City of Henderson is significant to us both professionally and personally.”
To mark this history-making game, Henderson City Council will recognize Coach Kruger and UNLV Athletic Director Erick Harper during a Henderson City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 6.
Henderson City Council last recognized the Runnin’ Rebels after UNLV’s Sweet 16 run in the 2007 NCAA Tournament. Kruger was the team's starting point guard that year, which was coached by Kruger’s father and Henderson resident Lon Kruger.
In the last few years, Henderson has rapidly become a sports city and the home to Henderson Silver Knights, NBA G-League Ignite, and the Vegas Knighthawks, as well as the home to the Las Vegas Raiders and Las Vegas Aces headquarters and practice facilities.
“The growth of sports in Henderson in recent years has been critical for our community - from an economic development standpoint as well as offering entertainment options for residents,” said Henderson City Manager and CEO Richard Derrick. “While this game is a part of that focus, it is also very personal for many Henderson residents. UNLV and the Runnin’ Rebels have meant so much to so many for decades. December 7 is truly a day to celebrate.”
Henderson Mayor-Elect Michelle Romero and Henderson City Manager and CEO Richard Derrick, a Henderson native and UNLV graduate, will be recognized by UNLV during the game.
The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels will face Hawai’i at The Dollar Loan Center on Wednesday, December 7, with tip-off beginning at 7 p.m.
To purchase tickets, visit thedollarloancenter.com.
