Star Wars Night: Heroes Clash in Atlanta
August 23, 2019 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
ATLANTA, GA - The Blaze (7-5) look to stay hot as they return home to take on the Chesapeake Bayhawks (7-4) for "Star Wars Night" at Silverbacks Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite Star Wars costumes as they watch the two MLL point leaders Lyle Thompson (59 points) and Shayne Jackson (48 points) guide their teams' potent offenses into battle.
HOW TO WATCH
Fans can watch the broadcast on ESPN+ or at MajorLeagueLacrosse.com/Watch for free. Fans can find ESPN+ on Android Google Play, Apple Store, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Oculus Go, Playstation 4, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Xbox.
TICKETS
Fans can click here for tickets to the game.
WHO
Atlanta Blaze (7-5) vs Chesapeake Bayhawks (7-4)
WHEN
Saturday, August 24th, 8:00 PM (EST)
WHERE
Silverbacks Stadium at Atlanta Silverbacks Park
3200 Atlanta Silverbacks Way
Atlanta, GA 30340
WEATHER FORECAST
79°F. Scattered Thunderstorms. Wind ENE at 7 mph. Humidity 76%. 40% chance of rain.
Note: We encourage fans on gamedays with rain in the forecast to bring appropriate protection, such as rain jackets, umbrellas, ponchos, and protective seating. Please note that in any case of poor weather, Atlanta Silverbacks Park is an open-air venue and there are limited shelter spaces near the main entrance and near the restaurant and bar.
PARKING
The Entrance fee at Atlanta Silverbacks Park is $3. Blaze fans will be directed to the upper level parking lot for our games. Parking is operated by the park; The Blaze would like to advise fans to give themselves ample time to get to the stadium for opening faceoff.
INSIDE THE STADIUM
Silverbacks Stadium's General Admission is open individual seating first-come first serve. Atlanta Silverbacks Park has a restaurant and beer garden adjacent to Silverbacks Stadium fans are encouraged to enjoy.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Alcohol, food, and fireworks are not allowed inside Silverbacks Stadium. However, fans are welcome to tailgate in the Blaze parking lot behind Renegades Field at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. Security has the right to not allow and other items they consider dangerous. Umbrellas, lacrosse sticks, and chairs are allowed inside the stadium.
GAME NOTES
William Nowesnick racked up four ground balls and caused two turnovers on his way to being named Warrior Defensive Player of the Week in Atlanta's Week 11 win over the Dallas Rattlers. Nowesnick, Liam Byrnes and the rest of the Blaze defense will be on high-alert all game as they take on the MLL's leading goal scorer in Lyle Thompson (38 goals). The most anticipated matchup will be at the faceoff X with Alex Woodall taking on Kenny Massa, who has a 61.2% faceoff win percentage on the season. Atlanta comes into Week 12 just a half a game behind the first-placed Bayhawks.  A win and two losses by the Dallas Rattlers this weekend would clinch the Atlanta Blaze their first playoff appearance in franchise history. A win and a loss by Boston this weekend would put the Blaze in first place with just three games to go.
RECORD BOOK
There are several records to look out for on Saturday night:
4 goals for either Bryan Cole or Shayne Jackson would break the Blaze single season record (37)
8 ground balls for the Blaze would break the Team single season record (505)
A win on Saturday night would be the 8th for the season, a new franchise record
TEAM LEADERS (THROUGH 11 GAMES)
Points: 48, Shayne Jackson
Goals: 34, Bryan Cole & Shayne Jackson
Assists: 27, Tommy Palasek
Caused Turnovers: 21, Liam Byrnes
Ground Balls: 114, Alex Woodall
Faceoff Wins: 201, Alex Woodall
Saves: 172, Chris Madalon
ABOUT THE ATLANTA BLAZE
On August 7, 2015, the MLL granted an expansion franchise to Atlanta, Georgia for the 2016 MLL season. The league had previously held several games in Atlanta before including the 2014 and 2015 championship games. The Blaze have improved every season, posting a 7-7 record in 2018, and will be looking to make the playoffs for the first time this year. Liam Banks is in his second year as head coach of the team.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from August 23, 2019
- Chesapeake Looks to Clinch Playoff Spot in Back-To-Back Game Weekend - Chesapeake Bayhawks
- Star Wars Night: Heroes Clash in Atlanta - Atlanta Blaze
- Denver Outlaws to Host Inaugural Hops and Robbers Beer Fest Ahead of Saturday Night Matchup with New York Lizards - Denver Outlaws
- MLL Week 12 Preview - MLL
- MLL Week 12 Playoff Scenarios - MLL
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