A move that was once likely just weeks ago is now a no-go, and as a result the Sept. 7 football game between UNLV and Arizona is staying in Las Vegas.
The Wildcats and Rebels were working on a deal to move the game from Sam Boyd Stadium to University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. That would've given UA an eighth game within the state of Arizona, further adding to an already favorable schedule.
In return, UNLV would have received a guaranteed check. According to Jim Livengood, the former Arizona athletic director who stepped down from his similar position at UNLV earlier this month, the two sides could not agree on a figure.
"We just couldn't get the numbers to match up and in the end everyone agreed it would be best to keep the game here," Livengood said in a statement.
Reports in a pair of Las Vegas newspapers earlier this month first reported the one-time possible deal between the schools. Livengood told the Las Vegas Sun on May 3 that it was actually UNLV which approached Arizona about moving the game.
The following week, just hours after Livengood announced his resignation, Byrne wrote in his Wildcat Wednesday e-newsletter that the deal was both "likely" and a "good possibility."
The two sides respectfully decided to end negotiations once it became apparent that neither would budge.
"We were excited about moving the UNLV game to [Phoenix] and wish it could have happened for our team and fans. We do understand UNLV's position," Byrne said in a tweet.
Arizona will open its season Aug. 30 at home against Northern Arizona. Fall camp begins Aug. 1.
1" align="left" />Click Here to view this Link.Tracy McDannald
GOAZCATS.com Senior Editor