News Summary

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has moved its football game against Idaho State to August 23 to allow for a championship boxing match featuring top fighters. This change makes it UNLV’s earliest season opener, surpassing previous records. The NCAA approved the waiver for the schedule change, emphasizing the importance of the boxing event for local tourism and sports reputation. The game will mark the debut of head coach Dan Mullen and is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium, an iconic venue in Las Vegas known for hosting major events.

Las Vegas

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has officially rescheduled its home football game against Idaho State from September 13, 2025, to August 23, 2025. This adjustment is made to accommodate a significant championship boxing match featuring renowned fighters Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, which will be held at Allegiant Stadium on the original date of the game.

The matchup against Idaho State will now mark UNLV’s earliest season opener, occurring during Week 0 of the NCAA football schedule. This will surpass the previous record for the earliest kickoff, which was set on August 27, 2022.

The NCAA granted UNLV’s request for a waiver that allowed the game to be moved forward, enabling the football team to participate in the schedule changes smoothly. The athletic department highlighted the importance of this boxing event for Las Vegas, particularly in relation to tourism and the city’s standing in the sports and entertainment industry.

Game Details and Season Impact

While the specific kickoff time for the matchup against Idaho State has yet to be finalized, the decision to shift the game to an earlier date comes with several adjustments to the Rebels’ 2025 football schedule. The rescheduling means UNLV will now have three bye weeks throughout the season, with the additional two bye weeks occurring during Weeks 5 and 9.

UNLV will also see the kickoff time for their game against New Mexico on November 1 confirmed for noon, although the broadcasting details are still pending.

Coaching Change and Venue

The August 23 game will serve as the debut for new head coach Dan Mullen, who has assumed leadership of the UNLV Rebels. The game is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium, which is the home venue for UNLV’s football team. This iconic stadium has hosted multiple high-profile events, including concerts and sports competitions, establishing it as an important venue in the Las Vegas area.

Background on UNLV and Boxing Event

UNLV has a rich history in collegiate athletics, and the decision to reschedule reflects the university’s commitment to maintaining strong community ties and partnerships with local entities. The upcoming boxing match has garnered significant attention, with the potential to draw large crowds and generate substantial revenue for the city.

This boxing event is expected to enhance Las Vegas’ reputation as a premier destination for both sports and entertainment. UNLV officials believe that supporting such high-profile events aligns with their mission to benefit the local economy and community.

This strategic move underscores UNLV’s adaptive planning in the face of competing interests while striving to enhance its athletic program’s presence and impact on the community.

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Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER

LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.

UNLV Reschedules Football Game to Accommodate Boxing Match