LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — UNLV announced Thursday it will rededicate the basketball court at Thomas & Mack Center to honor longtime community leader Lois Tarkanian, along with her husband.
The court for the Runnin’ Rebels is already named for legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian. It will now be called the Jerry and Lois Tarkanian Court to recognize their contributions to the entire Southern Nevada community.
The court was first dedicated to Jerry Tarkanian in 2005. He led the Runnin’ Rebels to four Final Four appearances and a national title in 1990.
Lois Tarkanian died in November last year at the age of 90, almost 10 years after the death of her husband in 2005.
She was a regent for the Nevada System of Higher Education at the time of her passing. She also previously served on the Las Vegas City Council and Clark County School District Board of Trustees.
“This rededication is about paying respect and honoring The First Family of UNLV Basketball,” athletic director Erick Harper said in a statement. “Coach Tarkanian’s name is synonymous with the glory days of the Runnin’ Rebels, while Lois was the heart of their partnership and also a giant in our community. Her passion for education and tireless public service left an indelible mark on this state.”
A special pregame ceremony is planned for the Runnin’ Rebels’ regular-season opener against UT Martin on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to make the change official.
“This tribute means the world to us – not only because it recognizes our father’s legacy as a coach, but also because it includes our mother’s unwavering support and dedication that was instrumental to his success and to the Runnin’ Rebels program,” the Tarkanian family said in a statement. “This gesture reflects our [parents’] values of unity and dedication and we hope it will inspire future generations on campus.”