UNLV Basketball Coach Urges Higher Attendance

Head coach Josh Pastner looks to build support as the team enters its second season under his leadership.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Basketball

UNLV Basketball Coach Urges Higher Attendance

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UNLV head coach Josh Pastner called for increased home game attendance at the Thomas & Mack Center during the 14th annual Coach's Luncheon. The event, hosted by Valley Bank of Nevada, served as a kickoff to engage the local community with the basketball program.

Why it matters

The team faces a rebuilding period with only two returning players, and the coaching staff is emphasizing the program's rich history to help restore fan interest. Strengthening home court support remains a key operational priority for the university.

UNLV averaged 5,374 fans per home game last season, a significant drop from the 18,658 average recorded during the 1990-91 season. The current roster features only two players returning from the previous year.

The players

Josh Pastner

He is entering his second season as the head coach of the UNLV men's basketball team.

Stacey Augmon

A former star player for the program, he currently serves as the director of community engagement.

Valley Bank of Nevada

The institution hosted the 14th annual Coach's Luncheon at the Mendenhall Center.

UNLV

The university operates a major collegiate basketball program based in Las Vegas.

The details

The event at the Mendenhall Center featured fan engagement activities including a shootout contest, photo sessions, and caricatures. Coach Josh Pastner aims to use team gatherings to educate the current squad about the program's history and foster a stronger connection with Las Vegas residents.

The 14th annual UNLV Coach's Luncheon took place on October 14, 2026.
UNLV averaged 18,658 fans per home game during the 1990-91 season.
Stacey Augmon returned to the program as director of community engagement in 2025.

Season Trajectory

The program is attempting to revive the massive local interest experienced during the 1990-91 season, which remains the historical gold standard for UNLV. This effort to restore home-court atmosphere is central to rebuilding the team's competitive standing in the current season.

Fans can expect a roster consisting almost entirely of new personnel, as only two players are returning from the previous season. The coaching staff is prioritizing community events to increase awareness and boost ticket sales at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The takeaway

Maintaining a strong connection between the program and the local community is essential for university athletic success. Fans interested in supporting the team can monitor upcoming home game schedules to see if attendance initiatives translate into increased ticket sales.