TORONTO – The National Lacrosse League has announced details surrounding the first-ever professional lacrosse game to be played in the state of Florida. The Toronto Rock will face the New York Titans in their regular season opener on Saturday January 3rd 2009 at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. Game time is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST. BankAtlantic Center is the home of the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers.
The game will be referred to as the Florida Lacrosse Cup and will mark the season-opening game for both clubs. This game does not affect the remaining regular season scheduled games for the Toronto Rock.
“We’re proud to deliver the state of Florida’s first-ever professional lacrosse game, and to have it here at BankAtlantic Center”, said NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings at a press conference held earlier today. “We definitely view South Florida as a place for future expansion, and we are bringing the game here on January 3rd to give fans a chance to experience the excitement of the NLL in person at this great venue.”
Local efforts to make this game possible were led by Kevin Finneran, President of the Florida Lacrosse Group. Finneran is a Fort Lauderdale resident who won five NLL championships during a 13-season professional lacrosse playing career. The decorated veteran of the NLL continues to work full-time promoting the growth of lacrosse in South Florida, actively coaching at the youth level.
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring the National Lacrosse League to BankAtlantic Center for the first time,” said Sunrise Sports & Entertainment President & Chief Operating Officer Michael Yormark. “Professional indoor lacrosse is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, exciting product that South Florida sports fans will really enjoy.”
“This will be an exciting event for our players and coaches to kick off the ’09 season in front of what we hope to be many Canadian Toronto Rock supporters” said Director of Lacrosse Operations for the Toronto Rock, Mike Kloepfer.
Information on the Florida Lacrosse Cup can be found at www.floridalacrossecup.com .
-T. Workman-
