UNLV will host Jackson State on Thursday, Sept. 1 in its 2016 football season opener at Sam Boyd Stadium. In a partnership between the two schools and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Jackson State's famed marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South, and dance squad, the Prancing J-Settes, will travel to Las Vegas and appear in a public pep rally and other events in addition to the game.
Jackson State, a historically black college and Football Championship Subdivision team located in Jackson, Mississippi, has produced Pro Football Hall of Famers Walter Payton, Jackie Slater and Lem Barney.