In news that seems to have flown under the radar, Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced yesterday that it is adding a team in Charlotte to begin play in 2012. I know this isn't the "2012 announcement" the city has particularly been looking for, but it's welcomed news all the same.
According to MLL commissioner David Gross, the league is granting franchises to Charlotte and Columbus, Ohio. The ten-year-old league, which has gone through much expansion and contraction over the years, currently has six teams: the Boston Cannons, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Toronto Nationals, Long Island Lizards, Denver Outlaws, and Rochester Rattlers. When Charlotte and Columbus begin play in 2012, the teams will play a 14-game schedule, an increase from the current 12-game schedule.
A professional lacrosse team in Charlotte could be a good thing for the city as well as the state. Duke University and the University of North Carolina both traditionally have strong lacrosse programs. Soon with a pro team in the state, those schools could serve as feeders for talented players. In fact, the MLL held its draft yesterday and UNC players were selected 3rd, 7th, and 36th overall, while Duke players went 26th and 46th.
I'm curious as to what Charlotte's lacrosse team mascot will be. What do you suggest? And would they call it Carolina or Charlotte? I also wonder where the team will play. If you want to follow developments with Charlotte's newest professional franchise, a Facebook page (Charlotte MLL 2012) and Twitter account (@CharlotteMLL) have been set up.
Click here to read more about the MLL's expansion.
According to MLL commissioner David Gross, the league is granting franchises to Charlotte and Columbus, Ohio. The ten-year-old league, which has gone through much expansion and contraction over the years, currently has six teams: the Boston Cannons, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Toronto Nationals, Long Island Lizards, Denver Outlaws, and Rochester Rattlers. When Charlotte and Columbus begin play in 2012, the teams will play a 14-game schedule, an increase from the current 12-game schedule.
A professional lacrosse team in Charlotte could be a good thing for the city as well as the state. Duke University and the University of North Carolina both traditionally have strong lacrosse programs. Soon with a pro team in the state, those schools could serve as feeders for talented players. In fact, the MLL held its draft yesterday and UNC players were selected 3rd, 7th, and 36th overall, while Duke players went 26th and 46th.
I'm curious as to what Charlotte's lacrosse team mascot will be. What do you suggest? And would they call it Carolina or Charlotte? I also wonder where the team will play. If you want to follow developments with Charlotte's newest professional franchise, a Facebook page (Charlotte MLL 2012) and Twitter account (@CharlotteMLL) have been set up.
Click here to read more about the MLL's expansion.
Thanks for sharing the news. Team will play at Memorial Stadium. You can suggest a team name, mascot and team colors on the facebook page. Click on the Discussions tab to submit your ideas. Look for more info to be released next week from the local group.
ReplyDeleteThe Charlotte Royals. I like purple and old gold and black.
ReplyDelete