Readying the field for Rebel football is no quick task for the grounds crews at Sam Boyd Stadium. To host a Major League Soccer game between Real Madrid and Juventus Football Club in August, the facility had to cover the artificial turn with 600,000 tons of sod. Removing the sod and painting the field was a weeklong process. The sod is returned to the sod farm for recycling.
Kent Neilson and Tracy Wynne repaint the lines and logos on the turf at Sam Boyd Stadium in preparation for UNLV's season opening game against Minnesota. (R. Marsh Starks/UNLV Photo Services)
Kent Neilson, a facilities supervisor at Sam Boyd Stadium, says it takes about two days to stencil and paint the lines and logos on the turf. (R. Marsh Starks/UNLV Photo Services)
Paint crews started shortly after sunrise. The temperature on the playing surface rose quickly. (R. Marsh Starks/UNLV Photo Services)
Kent Neilson outlines the UNLV logo at the center of the field at Sam Boyd Stadium. (R. Marsh Starks/UNLV Photo Services)
The paint applied to the playing surface is impermanent and can be removed. (R. Marsh Starks/UNLV Photo Services)
The former student-athlete has returned and is ready to tackle a new position as director of Football Player Development and Community Engagement for UNLV Athletics.
