News Summary
Charlotte, North Carolina, welcomed the Premier Lacrosse League for an exciting homecoming weekend, featuring the Carolina Chaos’ thrilling victory over the Denver Outlaws. Goalkeeper Blaze Riorden set a league record with 25 saves, while a passionate crowd filled the American Legion Memorial Stadium to support the Chaos. The event showcased multiple matches and highlighted the growing interest in lacrosse within the local community, with initiatives aimed at fostering youth engagement in the sport.
Charlotte, North Carolina hosted an exhilarating homecoming weekend for the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), featuring the Carolina Chaos against the Denver Outlaws. The event marked a significant stop on the league’s tour, capturing the attention of local sports fans and enhancing the visibility of lacrosse in the region.
The Carolina Chaos secured a victory in their opening game on Friday night, featuring an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Blaze Riorden, who broke his own league record by achieving 25 saves. As a result, the game showcased not only thrilling athleticism but also the growing momentum of the Carolina Chaos within the league.
Attendance at the weekend events was impressive, as a large crowd filled the seats at American Legion Memorial Stadium to support their home team. Fans of the Chaos, known as the “Red Legion”, turned out in droves, confirming their reputation as one of the most passionate supporter sections in the PLL. The high turnout is bolstered by the fact that Charlotte recorded the highest attendance of any PLL event last year, underscoring the city’s enthusiasm for lacrosse.
As part of the weekend schedule, several games were lined up. The first match on Friday saw the Chaos face off against the Outlaws at 6 PM, followed by a match between the Philadelphia Waterdogs and the Maryland Whipsnakes at 8:30 PM, both available to viewers on ESPN+. Saturday featured a loaded schedule, starting with the Utah Archers facing off against the Boston Cannons at 1 PM, followed by the highly anticipated rematch of the Carolina Chaos against the California Redwoods at 7 PM, which was also set to be broadcast on ESPN+.
NASCAR legend Clint Bowyer made an appearance to cheer on the Chaos, further elevating the prestige of the event. Local player Colby Barsz, a midfielder for the Utah Archers and former Weddington High School standout, expressed his enthusiasm about engaging with local fans during the homecoming weekend. Additionally, Jack Posey, a 24-year-old defenseman for the Chaos, took the opportunity to connect with young players in the Charlotte area, highlighting the exceptional talent among aspiring lacrosse athletes.
The Carolina Chaos and PLL organization emphasize their commitment to strengthening ties with local communities and fostering interest in lacrosse within Charlotte. The head coach of the Chaos detailed the team’s pledge to engage with fans, ensuring that the sport continues to grow in popularity. The future looks bright for lacrosse in Charlotte, as interest among local youth is steadily rising, setting the stage for a vibrant lacrosse culture.
In another nod to the community’s involvement, tickets for the games during the homecoming weekend are available through the league’s website, allowing more fans to participate in this exciting sports spectacle. Opportunities to attend games during the PLL’s Charlotte tour provide invaluable exposure for both the players and the city, heralding a promising future for lacrosse within the local sports scene.
The success of the homecoming weekend not only celebrated the accomplishments of the Carolina Chaos but also laid the groundwork for exciting developments in lacrosse as the sport grows in Charlotte. Furthermore, through events such as this, the PLL continues to build a lasting legacy in the communities it visits.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte 49ers
- Google Search: Lacrosse Charlotte
- WCNC
- Wikipedia: Lacrosse
- Charlotte Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lacrosse
- Herald Online
- Google News: Lacrosse Charlotte
- Patriot Ledger
Author: HERE Charlotte
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