Paul Carcaterra@paulcarcaterra
Lacrosse people...I have an idea!
Fans want the sport as early as possible...just not for games to be played in single digit temps or in an indoor practice facility with no spectators. Hear me out. This would be an example for men's lacrosse but also could be used for women's lacrosse but scaled differently based on more teams.
There are less than 80 Men's D1 teams. Have four host venues for the four weekends in February. The host venue would have three games on Friday (2pm, 5pm, & 8pm), four on Saturday (11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm), and three on Sunday (11am, 2pm, and 5pm). The host venue would have a total of ten games over three days...satisfying 20 teams.
Four hosts venues can be but not limited to....The Dome, Ford Field in Detroit, Lucas Oil in Indianapolis, The Star in Dallas, multiple venues in Southern California, Arizona, Atlanta, and countless options in Florida. Not all venues could host all weekends (ex: Dome has basketball some weekends)...but you would only need four host venues per weekend. Turf or multiple playing surfaces (ex: IMG) would be a requirement based on field conditions.
This would offer a great fan experience, stream lined media opportunities for coverage and exposure, sponsorship and event partnership, and an opportunity to bring high level lacrosse to some non traditional areas.
People will argue there would be an average of two extra away games and budget issues. Last I checked some teams travel for scrimmages. Ticket sales and event sponsorship could offset some team travel expenses. Teams can be creative with fundraising and a small price to pay to give the players, coaches, support staff, and the fans what they deserve...great lacrosse played in suitable and desirable playing conditions. The reality is the sport isn't getting pushed back and ending in June anytime soon and teams don't want play numerous midweek games. We need some solutions. Feel free to share your thoughts or another idea.
