Topic: UCLA-New Mexico in the Sega Sports Las Vegas Bowl

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If you want to know when to see Sega Sports commercials on TV, find out what time this college football bowl game is on.

University of New Mexico and UCLA to Meet in the SEGA Sports Las Vegas Bowl

LAS VEGAS - At a media conference today at the ESPN Zone located inside the New York-New York Hotel & Casino on the famed Las Vegas "Strip," the SEGA Sports Las Vegas Bowl officially welcomed UCLA (4-4/7-5) and the University of New Mexico (5-2/7-6).  The event marked the official start of activities for the Christmas Day showdown between the Bruins and the Lobos at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.  

Representatives from the SEGA Sports Las Vegas Bowl, SEGA Sports and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority gathered on the Strip to welcome the head coaches and athletic directors from UCLA and the University of New Mexico in true Las Vegas fashion.  Representatives from the Pac-10 Conference and Mountain West Conference (MWC) were also on hand for the official welcome.  

"We're honored today to welcome these two fine institutions to Las Vegas for the start of preparations for Bowl Week," said Tina Kunzer-Murphy, SEGA Sports Las Vegas Bowl executive director.  "We expect an outstanding game, one that will attract an enthusiastic crowd to Sam Boyd Stadium.  We look forward to hosting the coaches, administrators, players and fans from UCLA and the University of New Mexico for the exciting activities and the continuation of the Christmas Day football tradition in Las Vegas."

The SEGA Sports Las Vegas Bowl, which offers a payout of $800,000 to each team, features the first-ever meeting between the Lobos and Bruins.

The Lobos, led by 2002 MWC Coach of the Year Rocky Long, finished the year with four victories in its last five games.  New Mexico culminated the season with a dominating 49-20 win over Wyoming, ensuring the team only its second bowl invitation since 1961.  The Lobos' last bowl appearance was the 1997 Insight.com Bowl.  Prior to accepting the head coaching job at New Mexico, Long served as UCLA's defensive coordinator for two seasons (1996-97).

"Personally, it's going to be a lot of fun for me, but obviously UCLA is a very talented football team that has some reputation and history behind it," said Long.  "I have great respect for their coaching staff, and we are going to have to perform very well to play against that caliber of opponent. Coach Kezirian will do a good job of getting them emotionally ready to play."

UCLA, making its 24th bowl appearance, will be led by interim head coach Ed Kezirian.  Currently the assistant director of academic services, Kezirian spent 11 seasons (1982-92) as a Bruin assistant coach.  

"The players are excited about the opportunity to play in the SEGA Sports Las Vegas Bowl," said Kezirian.  "Our goal from the beginning of the season has been to be a team of unity, and I see no indication from our players or assistant coaches that we will deviate from that goal.  Both schools are deserving of a bowl game this season, and we're anxious to get started with our first practice this Saturday and look forward to the bowl activities that begin on Dec. 21st."

SEGA Sports, the premier sports video game brand, is not just the title sponsor, but also an active partner with the SEGA Sports Las Vegas Bowl as an integral part of this year's marketing campaign.

"We are thrilled to return as the title sponsor of the SEGA Sports Las Vegas Bowl - as it speaks to many of our core consumers and gives us the opportunity to communicate the SEGA Sports brand to new customers," said Peter Moore, president and chief operating officer, SEGA of America, Inc. "Not only are we reaching a captive audience on Christmas Day, but the opportunity to have two very talented football teams participating in this bowl should make for an exciting game."

Players, coaches, administrators and fans from UCLA and New Mexico will enjoy a complete bowl experience combined with the unmatched entertainment and attractions of Las Vegas, a world-renowned event and resort destination that attracted more than 35 million visitors in 2001.  As part of Bowl Week, the SEGA Sports Las Vegas Bowl will host events at some of the city's most exciting venues.  The event line-up includes a Welcome Reception at the ESPN Zone, the Kickoff Luncheon at the MGM Grand, Show Night in Las Vegas at Blue Man Group, and the Pep Rally and Outback Buffet Bowl at the Golden Nugget/Fremont Street Experience.  

The SEGA Sports Las Vegas Bowl will be televised live on ESPN, beginning at 1:30 p.m. (PT) on Dec. 25.