Public memorial for Jerry Tarkanian planned in Las Vegas

A private funeral for former UNLV and Fresno State men’s basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian will be held Monday in Las Vegas, according to a published report.

According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, a public memorial service will be held March 1 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas at a time to be determined.

Fresno State has planned a moment of silence for Tarkanian at Saturday’s men’s basketball game against Boise State at Save Mart Center. Tarkanian coached the Bulldogs from 1995-2002. In addition, there will be a video tribute at halftime, and current Coach Rodney Terry will leave an empty seat on his bench with a white towel, a tribute to Tarkanian’s habit of having a towel with him at games.

Bulldog players will wear a Tark patch on their jerseys.

Fans attending Saturday’s game will be able to sign cards for the coach’s family. The cards will be at the Tarkanian legacy display at the northwest concourse.

University spokesman Tom Uribes said Fresno State also will lower its flags to half staff when Tarkanian's memorial is held in Las Vegas. Castro and his wife Mary will attend the service.

Tarkanian’s family has asked that donations in his memory be made to the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State.

Donations can be made online. Check the “Other” box and type in: Tarkanian.

Donations can also be made payable to Fresno State Foundation (memo: Gift in Memory of Coach Tarkanian). Mail them to: Office of University Development, California State University, Fresno, 5244 N. Jackson Avenue, M/S KC45, Fresno, CA 93740-8023.

This story was originally published February 12, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Public memorial for Jerry Tarkanian planned in Las Vegas."