Charlotte Awarded Professional Indoor Lacrosse Franchise
Published on July 7, 2011 under North American Lacrosse League (NALL)
Charlotte Copperheads News Release
Charlotte, NC (July 7, 2011) - The North American Lacrosse League (NALL) announced it has awarded the league's second franchise to a Charlotte-based ownership group led by Graham D'Alvia. The team, which will play eight home games beginning in January of 2012, intends to play at the 9,600-seat Bojangles' Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The organization was officially announced at a 12:00 p.m. press conference on Thursday at the Belk Action Center at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. The announcement marks the return of professional indoor lacrosse to Charlotte; the NLL's Charlotte Cobras previously played at "The Big I" in 1996.
"Charlotte is a key market for us to have participate in our league's inaugural season," said NALL Commissioner Phil Evans. "We're fortunate to have such a strong ownership group led by Graham D'Alvia, who has been a pioneer for the growth of indoor lacrosse in the United States over the last decade. The sports fans of Charlotte are going to love their newest professional team."
D'Alvia, who was introduced as the team's President, has served as General Manager of Team USA and President of US Indoor Lacrosse since 2006. D'Alvia, a resident of Charlotte since 1991, has spearheaded the growth of indoor lacrosse in the United States with the formation of the US Developmental Team, the USIL Combine, and several other programs. He previously launched the men's and women's lacrosse programs at Susquehanna University, and has played and coached lacrosse at the highest levels around the world.
"On behalf of my partners, we are proud to become a member of this emerging league," said D'Alvia. "This is a very exciting time for professional lacrosse, and we will make Charlotte sports fans proud with a world-class, competitive and entertaining indoor lacrosse team."
Mike Dimson, who played college lacrosse at Lehigh University and Pace University, was announced as the team's Vice President. Dimson, who serves as President of Carlyle Construction Company, a New York based Real Estate management firm, brings a wealth of experience in management and day-to-day operations to the NALL franchise.
"We're thrilled to bring professional indoor lacrosse to Charlotte," said Dimson. "The sport of lacrosse has seen unprecedented growth over the last decade. We're looking forward to delivering a high-energy, action-packed and affordable entertainment option to the Charlotte market for years to come."
Also on hand at the press conference were representatives from the district counsel, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, and other local dignitaries.
The Charlotte NALL team has begun accepting deposits for season tickets for their inaugural 2012 season. A $50 per seat deposit is all that is required, and seat locations will be assigned based on the order of deposit received.
For more information on the team, tickets and to participate in the "Name the Team" contest, please visit www.CharlotteNALL.com.
The North American Lacrosse League (NALL) is a new professional indoor lacrosse league which will begin play in January of 2012. During the inaugural season, NALL teams will play a 12-game regular season schedule, with two additional home exhibition games against international squads such as Team USA, Ireland, and others
North American Lacrosse League Stories from July 7, 2011
- Charlotte Awarded Professional Indoor Lacrosse Franchise - Charlotte Copperheads
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
