The Oregon football team hits the practice field today for the first time in preparation of its Las Vegas Bowl appearance on Dec. 21 against No. 20 Brigham Young University.
While the Ducks prepare their gameplan for a high-powered BYU squad, here are some facts and history of the Las Vegas Bowl and information about events leading up to this year’s game.
– Luke Andrews
Las Vegas Bowl History
– Oregon was the first representative from the Pacific-10 Conference to attend the Las Vegas Bowl when the Ducks defeated No. 23 Air Force 41-13 in 1997.
– Six Pac-10 teams have visited the Las Vegas Bowl, most recently with Cal beating BYU 35-28 last season. Oregon State, Oregon and Cal have all made one victorious appearance. USC lost to Utah in its one appearance while UCLA has gone twice, beating New Mexico in 2002 and losing to Wyoming in 2004.
– The Pac-10 is 4-2 in the Las Vegas Bowl
– While this season pits the No. 4 team from the Pac-10 against the Mountain West Conference champion, the Las Vegas Bowl has also hosted teams from the Western Athletic Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference.
– Last year’s game between Cal and BYU was a sellout and drew a 2.40 national rating, which ranked seventh-highest out of 20 total bowl games aired by the ESPN Networks.
– The Las Vegas Bowl was first organized by community leaders hoping to fill hotel rooms during the holiday season.
– The Las Vegas Bowl has featured a few firsts, including the first female to ever play in a Division I-A football game when New Mexico kicker Katie Hnida attempted an extra point against UCLA in 2002. The bowl also featured the first Division I-A overtime game in 1995 when Toledo beat Nevada 40-37 in 1995.
Las Vegas Bowl Events
Dec. 7: Meet and greet with coaches and players at ESPN Zone inside New York, New York Hotel.
Dec. 18: Team leaves Eugene. Invite-only welcome reception in ESPN Zone inside New York, New York Hotel from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 19: Both teams pay a visit to Sunrise Children’s Hospital. Both teams compete in Outback Buffet Bowl at the Fremont Street Experience from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. A pep rally follows from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 20: Kickoff luncheon
Dec. 21: Pre-game Tailgate Party at Sam Boyd Stadium from 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The 2006 Las Vegas Bowl kicks off at 5:00 p.m.