Audi Henderson fires up UNLV men’s soccer fans

Findlay Automotive Group, which has been part of the fabric of Southern Nevada for more than 50 years, has been a big supporter of UNLV athletics. Audi Henderson is carrying on that core philosophy supporting the UNLV men’s soccer season while enhancing the fan experience.

Audi Henderson has teamed up with the UNLV Soccer Foundation, Tenaya Creek Brewery, and the Rebel Mafia Tailgate Crew to provide a free tailgate for two hours prior to every men’s home match. Audi Henderson General Manager Jim Diguilio says it’s been a huge success.

“The tailgate has been fantastic. We’ve set attendance records for Men’s Soccer, and helped create the best ticket in Las Vegas. Admission to the game is $8 for adults, children 12 and under get in free. The tailgate is free for anyone attending” says Diguilio.

“This isn’t just a normal hot dog and a bun tailgate either. Executive Chef Mark Sandoval from the UNLV Hotel College has been a rock star. He brings students out to help prepare the menu, food prep, and cook. We’ve had street tacos, meatballs, pizza, etc. It’s a great opportunity for the students and they have been a huge help, Diguilio adds. “Combine the great food, microbrews, atmosphere and UNLV soccer and we have something unique.”

UNLV Head Men’s Soccer Coach Rich Ryerson said the program’s tailgate party atmosphere has been a one-of-a-kind especially considering the view of the Las Vegas Strip when games are played at night.

“It’s been awesome,” said Ryerson, a 1987 graduate of UNLV now in his seventh year of coaching the UNLV men’s soccer team. “We warm up by the goal and my guys can feel the energy. With the barbeques and everything else, it’s really amazing. Jim has set up video games and live stream television with music playing. There is everything from water to adult beverages.”

UNLV’s next home soccer games will be today against Grand Canyon University (featuring live band Little Dynamite), Air Force on Oct. 21 and University of Missouri/Kansas City on Nov. 5. All games begin at 7 p.m. The party will start at 5 p.m.

Friendly Ford’s Paws for the Cause scheduled Oct. 22

The annual Friendly Ford Paws for the Cause Fall Edition animal adoption is scheduled for Oct. 22 at the dealership situated at 660 N. Decatur Blvd.

Always a popular part of the dealership’s long-running agreement with the local Animal Foundation, Paws for the Cause was started in the 1990s by longtime friends Dana Olliges Arcana, daughter of Friendly Ford owner Ed Olliges, and DeAnne Sheehan with Lotus Broadcasting. The event moved to the dealership in about 2010.

More than 20 shelter dogs will be available for adoption during Paws for the Cause, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, pet enthusiasts are invited to bring their dogs or cats for free microchipping while supplies last. Free dog training demonstrations will be presented by MPK9 All Breed master trainer Gregory Conner.

With radio remotes by 97.1 The Point, 101.9 La Buena and KWNR 95.5, the event also will include a blanket drive with donors receiving free drink and appetizer coupons from PT’s Taverns. The free microchipping sponsored by Friendly Ford will be provided by vets from Warm Springs Animal Hospital.

Free food and music will be featured during the event. On the Spot Doggy Stylers is providing spritz and fluff on-site grooming.

The Animal Foundation will offer 50 percent off adoption fees on all dogs that are six months of age or older. The shelter dogs all come from the Animal Foundation, 655 N. Mohave Road.

The Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization operating Nevada’s largest animal shelter (Lied Animal Shelter) and animal adoption center. For the past 33 years, it has housed a multitude of services and provides a refuge for more than 50,000 homeless, lost, neglected and abused animals received each year.

The Animal Foundation Adoption Department is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Further information regarding the Animal Foundation can be found by visiting www.animalfoundation.com or by calling 702-384-3333.

Further information regarding Paws for the Cause can be found by calling Olliges Arcana at 702-236-6833.