Jacksonville Awarded NALL Franchise
August 4, 2011 - North American Lacrosse League (NALL) News Release
Jacksonville, Fla. (Thursday, August 4, 2011) - North American Lacrosse League (NALL) Commissioner Phil Evans officially announced on Thursday at a press conference that the league will be placing the third franchise for its inaugural season in Jacksonville, Florida. The organization was revealed at a press conference at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, where the team will play its home slate of games during its historical first season. Also on hand for the announcement were team owners Brett Vickers and Chris Milo, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown and Barry Milligan, SMG Sales and Marketing Manager at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
"We're very excited about bringing an NALL expansion franchise to the Jacksonville market," said Vickers, who is the President of the Florida-based firm, Equity Sports. "We believe this market has the potential to be the number one market in the league. The support we have received from the lacrosse community, and the community at large, has been overwhelming. We look forward to starting the 2012 season and look forward to seeing you at the games."
A hotbed for events in the region, the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena also serves as home to the Jacksonville Sharks of the Arena Football League, Jacksonville Giants of the American Basketball Association, as well as the Jacksonville University men's and women's basketball teams. Mayor Brown feels that the NALL franchise will be a valuable addition to the arena and the community it represents.
"We are thrilled to welcome the North American Lacrosse League to Jacksonville," he stated. "I have long touted Jacksonville's attraction as a sports hub, and lacrosse will be a wonderful addition to the multiple sports franchises we already have in our city. Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in America, with more than 550,000 participants around the country, including many right here in Jacksonville. With this addition, students who graduate from our high schools can now aspire to achieve their professional lacrosse dreams right here in Jacksonville."
Jacksonville joins the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Shamrocks and Charlotte as the first three franchises announced by the NALL. During its inaugural season, which gets underway in January of 2012, teams will play a 12- game schedule, with additional exhibition games against international squads such as Team USA, Team Ireland and others also in the works. For additional information on the NALL, visit its official website at www.NorthAmericanLacrosseLeague.com.
Season tickets for the historical first season of professional indoor lacrosse in Jacksonville start at just $112 and are now available to purchase online at www.JacksonvilleNALL.com or by calling Equity Sports at (727) 851-6292. With just a $20 deposit, fans can reserve their seats today.
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