With the grand opening a week away, Scheels is putting the finishing touches on the world’s largest sports store, complete with a tribute to University of Nevada, Reno athletics.

A 192-square-foot hall of fame stands at the front entrance of the store and showcases some of UNR’s finest athletic moments, dating as far back as 1898.

Justin Nelson, a Scheels corporate project leader, has been working on the collection of memorabelia for the past couple of weeks, gaining a new appreciation for UNR athletics.

“The Reno/Sparks and Nevada market is new to us,” said Nelson said, who has been commuting weekly to Sparks from Fargo, North Dakota, where the Scheels headquarters are located. “We’ve really gotten to know the university.”

Rows of old photographs from some of the first football teams, track and field events and even the classic charging of the football field after UNR defeated the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

“We really tried to touch on everything,” Nelson said, referring to the range of sports showcased.

And with close to 60 framed photographs, one of Judge Mills Lane in his boxing heyday, the display case is set to have old football helmets from the early 20th century in addition to classic coaches’ jackets from the 1970s.

To give viewers a full background, a detailed timeline will line the front of the case, Nelson said.

Working closely with Keith Hackett, Nevada associate athletics director, Nelson said the acquistion process is ongoing, trying to focus on all UNR athletic teams.

Hackett has been instrumental in the variety of sports covered, Nelson said, and he has pushed to just focus on teams rather than individual players to promote unity among the teams.

The only indivudal player featured, Nelson said, will be a tribute to pro football hall of famer Marion Motley, who was the first African American football player at UNR.

“We wanted something really visual,” Nelson said. “We wanted something that a lot of people can take closer look at.”

Around the corner from the showcase is a large UNR merchandise section where fans can stock up on Nevada gear.

Also nearby is a smaller UNLV merchandise section that Nelson noted some of the UNR athletic directors were slightly upset about.

“I think we made up for it though,” Nelson said with a laugh, regarding the UNR hall of fame tribute.

With Scheels grand opening scheduled to coincide with the annual UNR-UNLV football game, Nelson said he hopes the hall of fame sends out a fitting tribute to the Wolf Pack.