Pro Lacrosse at Soldier Field
March 17, 2009 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chicago Machine News Release
Chicago, IL - On May 30, for the first time ever, lacrosse will be played at Chicago's historic Soldier Field.
The Chicago Machine and the Chicago Park District announced today that the professional lacrosse team will play two home games at Soldier Field - its home opener on Saturday, May 30 and the final game of the season on Saturday, August 8. The May 30 game will also be the first time that the Major League Lacrosse has been played in the City of Chicago. The Chicago Machine has played all of its home games at suburban locations during its first three seasons.
"Playing at Soldier Field has long been a dream of our organization," said John Meister, team president. "We're eager to show more Chicagoans how much fun it is to watch live professional lacrosse. Bringing lacrosse to a world-class venue like Soldier Field will inspire young lacrosse players nationwide." Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the USA and more than 50 high schools in Illinois field varsity boys or girls teams.
"The players are very excited at the chance to play on the same field where the Chicago Bears play," said Chicago Machine co-captain and All-Star Kevin Leveille. "Many of us are used to playing in large stadiums with thousands of fans from our college careers. To bring the pro game to Soldier Field with a chance to shine before a huge home crowd is a great opportunity for our team and our sport."
The May 30 game will start at 3 pm. Tickets are on sale at www.chicagomachine.com or by calling (312) 255-1522. The theme for the home opener is "Affordable Family Fun" day with tickets 50% off General Admission for all government employees and their families.
In another first, the Chicago Machine will play one of its home games in Milwaukee as part of Major League Lacrosse's efforts to grow the visibility of the sport. The Machine will host the Washington (DC) Bayhawks at Milwaukee's UIHLEIN Park on Saturday, June 27, 2009.
The full 12-game schedule for the Chicago Machine is as follows:
SAT, May 16 Away @ Denver Outlaws INVESCO Field Denver, CO
FRI, May 22 Away @ Toronto Nationals BMO Field Toronto, ONT
SAT, May 30 Home vs. Boston Cannons Soldier Field Chicago, IL
SUN, Jun 7 Home vs. Denver Outlaws TOYOTA PARK Bridgeview, IL
SAT, Jun 13 Away @ Boston Cannons Harvard Stadium Boston, MA
SAT, Jun 20 Away @ Long Island Lizards Hofstra University Hempstead, NY
SAT, Jun 27 "Home" vs. Washington (DC) Bayhawks UIHLEIN Park Milwaukee, MA
SAT, Jul 4 Home vs. Toronto Nationals TOYOTA PARK Bridgeview, IL
THU, Jul 16 MLL All Star Game INVESCO Field Denver, CO
SAT, Jul 18 Away @ Boston Cannons Harvard Stadium Boston, MA
SAT, Jul 25 Home vs. Washington (DC) Bayhawks TOYOTA PARK Bridgeview, IL
SAT, Aug 1 Away @ Washington (DC) Bayawks Naval Academy Annapolis, MD
SAT, Aug 8 Home vs. Long Island Lizards Soldier Field Chicago, IL
Aug 22-23 MLL Championships Naval Academy Annapolis, MD
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