Last week, Nevada opened up the 2012 football season by beating Cal 31-24.
Now, the Wolf Pack is getting ready to host the first home game of the year.
The Pack is back at Mackay Stadium in the second week of the college football season. You can expect a much different feel, considering last year's home opener didn't come until October 8th when the UNLV Rebels came to town.
Keith Hackett is the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Nevada and he says from now on, you can count on at least two September games at Mackay Stadium.
"This is just a great way for us to start the season with a great opponent," Hackett said. "Big win last week at Cal and we're hoping for a big win tomorrow against a terrific team from South Florida."
Staff is getting foam hands unpacked for the first 5,000 fans through the gates, while others are getting the field ready for the big game.
As for Mackay Stadium, there aren't really any changes.
"We've added a couple of new vendors," Hackett said. "Fat Burger's going to be with us tomorrow [Saturday], and Famous Dave's of course is back. We have some nice selections for our fans when they come and look for something to eat."
About 20,000 tickets have already been sold but there has been a steady stream of sales over the last couple of days.
"First home game, very excited," Nevada Alum Steven Caloiaro told us Friday. "I'm a season ticket holder but after Cody's email and the University's effort to get more people out, I bought six tickets for friends and family to come to the game, too."
"I got tickets for me, my daughter and my family," Nevada Junior Russ Ripsom said. "So, we're expecting to go to the game. We're hoping for another win this week."
Ripsom even has his Wolf Pack shades, although they're actually a bright shade of green. "They ran out of blue, so that's a good sign," Ripsom said.
Wolf Pack fans aren't just excited for the first home game of the year, they are also looking forward to seeing the Pack play against a larger school from the Big East Conference.
"A big opponent coming to Mackay is always exciting, so let's hope we have 30,000 screaming fans." Caloiaro said.
If you bought your tickets online, the athletic department would like you to print those at home. That will cut down the line at the ticket booth.
Tailgating areas are also the same as last year, with the north parking lot designated for pregame parties.
Expect a lot of traffic though, 75,000 people are expected in the area due to the game and the balloon races. Kickoff is set for 12:35pm.
Written by Paul Nelson
