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Swarm Celebrating Its Fourth Annual Native American Heritage Night This Saturday

January 25, 2013 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm will be hosting its fourth annual Native American Heritage Night presented by Treasure Island Resort & Casino during the team's home opener on Saturday, Jan. 26 when the team faces the Washington Stealth. Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on Treasure Island Field at Xcel Energy Center.

"It's important to recognize the Native Community for giving us this great game of lacrosse that is played to honor the Creator," Swarm Co-Owner and Vice President Andy Arlotta said. "It's going to be our best one yet as we're expecting to have over 3,000 Native Americans from all over the state in attendance."

Native American Heritage Night will feature a drum and dance group from the Prairie Island Indian Community as well as a demonstration of a traditional lacrosse match from Oneida Nation of Wisconsin at halftime. Members of the Prairie Island Indian Community's Tribal Council will also be on hand during the ceremonial ball drop and will be joined by Swarm forward Corbyn Tao. Throughout the game, local Native youth players and their reservations that have started lacrosse initiatives over the past few years will be recognized.

"We want to expose our fan base to some of the culture and heritage with things like the Prairie Island Indian Community drum group and dancers. It's a way for us to educate our fans on these great traditions," Arlotta said.

The Swarm currently supports a weekly after school lacrosse program led by Swarm assistant coach Aime Caines and Mike Holvig on the Prairie Island Indian Community and hosts a week-long summer lacrosse camp - Lax-4-Life - on the Fond du Lac Reservation for Native boys and girls. Both programs have earned national praise from the Obama Administration for their efforts in helping provide Native youth with a healthy lifestyle option. Prior to faceoff, Caines and the Prairie Island Indian Community lacrosse team will scrimmage members of the Fond du Lac Reservation on Treasure Island Field at 3:30 p.m.

Over 3,000 Native Americans from across Minnesota are expected to be in the crowd for the Swarm's Native American Heritage Night this Saturday, which would mark a new high for the annual event.

"The Native Business Community is a strong supporter of this night and a big donor of tickets to bring Native schools and communities out to witness such a special night," Arlotta said.

To learn more about the Swarm's Native American initiatives, visit http://www.mnswarm.com/page/show/265151-native-american-outreach-programs

Swarm fans looking to lock up 2013 Season Tickets can take advantage of a Buy 2, Get 2 at 50% offer. By purchasing two season tickets at full price, fans can add an additional two tickets for half the cost. Single Game Tickets start as low as $21 for all eight home games in 2013. For purchasing information on both Season and Single Game Tickets, fans can call 1-888-MN-SWARM or visit mnswarm.com.

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