A poolside barbecue, a pre-game tailgate party, and a football game pitting the UNLV Rebels against the Utah Utes are among the activities awaiting participants in UNLV's Family Weekend '99 next month.

Set for Sept. 24-26, the weekend also will include a post-game party, a Sunday brunch, tours of the campus, and a chance for families to sit in on their students' classes.

"We want this weekend to be a fun time for our students and their families alike," said Phil Burns, chair of the committee in charge of Family Weekend. "Too often, families don't get to spend much time sharing in their children's college experiences. That's true not only of the families who live outside Southern Nevada, but for Las Vegas families as well.

"This weekend will provide a chance for parents, siblings, and spouses to get a glimpse of their students' college lives and to have a great time together while doing it," Burns said. "This is the second year we've done this and if last year was any indication, this year's family weekend should be a blast."

Family members can choose to participate in all the events or select individual events.

On Sept. 24 from noon until 7:30 p.m., welcome tables will be set up in the Moyer Student Union, Room 111. There participants can pick up their welcome package as well as their tickets for the weekend's events.

That night, families are invited to gather at the Hard Rock Hotel and Resort for a Caribbean Poolside Family Feast from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. A barbecue buffet will be served. To add to the fun, there will be island music as well as entertainment by the UNLV cheerleaders and the "Hey Reb" mascot. The event is $18 per person.

Saturday's activities will revolve around football. It's the UNLV Rebels vs. the Utah Utes at 7 p.m. at the newly renovated Sam Boyd Stadium. This is the team's first season under former NFL coach John Robinson and its first year as a member of the new Mountain West Conference. Game tickets are $16 per person.

Before the game, a family tailgate party will take place from 4 p.m. until game time at the Rebel Experience at Sam Boyd Stadium. Food, drink, and music will be provided. Additionally, free shuttle service to the stadium will be available. The cost of the event is $8 per person.

After the game, the fun will continue at a post-game party at The Railhead inside Boulder Station.

A Sunday brunch will wrap up the weekend's official events from 10 a.m. until noon Sept. 26 at AmeriSuites on Paradise Road. The brunch costs $8 per person.

UNLV has arranged a special rate with AmeriSuites for families needing to book hotel rooms. UNLV Family Weekend participants will pay only $69 per night for either a double or king suite. This includes a free breakfast buffet and a free airport shuttle. Call (702) 369-3366 and mention UNLV Family Weekend to get the special rate.

For additional information or for a registration brochure for Family Weekend '99, call 895-1754.