Silver and Blue game on Friday

The University of Nevada will conclude spring drills under first-year head coach Chris Tormey on Friday with the annual Silver and Blue intrasquad game at Mackay Stadium.

Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

As the Wolf Pack makes the transition into the Western Athletic Conference this year, the scrimmage will mark the last time natural grass will be seen or used in Mackay Stadium, as work on installing artificial grass in the facility is expected to begin May 1.

Tormey will split the team into two squads, with the first and second platoons on offense going against the top two strings on defense. The rest of the team will be split evenly.

"This will be a very realistic game with coaches off the field and our best players going against each other in a game-like situation with a game clock and officials,' Tormey said. " This will be the culmination of our spring practice and it should be very exciting. It will be an excellent opportunity for fans to get a glimpse of what's in store for 2000."

Honorary captains will be Glenn and Gary Carano and at halftime the 10th anniversary of the 1990 Big Sky Champions will be recognized. Members of that squad able to return will be introduced. Also to be announced at halftime will be the most improved players in spring, position by position, and the team captains for 2000.

Nevada opens the 2000 schedule at Oregon Sept. 2. The home and WAC opener is the following week, Sept. 9, when Texas Christian University comes to Reno.

Season tickets are available from the Wolf Pack ticket office at Legacy Hall or by calling 348-PACK. Prices are $100 for reserved seats, $60 for general admission and $81 for Nevada faculty and staff. Included in the home game package are TCU on Sept. 9, Colorado State on Sept. 30 and San Jose State on Oct. 21. UTEP and Rice are WAC games and Colorado Sate is a non-conference contest.