Sept. 23, 2008
SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) Minnesota Swarm has announced the franchise will host the first-ever NCAA Division I lacrosse game in the state when the University of Notre Dame men’s lacrosse team battles the United States Military Academy at West Point (Army) on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 12:00 p.m. (CT) at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. The game is being held in conjunction with the 2008 Hot-Dish Classic Lacrosse Tournament that will be played Oct. 11-12 at the National Sports Center.
“The Minnesota Swarm is proud to be presenting and hosting this first-ever NCAA Division I lacrosse game in Minnesota,” said new owner John Arlotta. “This game, as well as the coaches and player clinics, are part of our commitment to help lacrosse grow in our community. I also want to thank the US Army and Wells Fargo for helping make this event possible.”
The event will also include an exhibition game between the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Notre Dame at 9:30 a.m. and an exhibition game between the University of Minnesota Duluth and the United States Military Academy at West Point at 2:30 p.m. To purchase tickets to the first-ever NCAA Division I lacrosse game in the state between the University of Notre Dame lacrosse team and United States Military Academy at West Point please call 888-MN-SWARM (888-66-79276) or visit www.mnswwarm.com. General admission tickets are $7.00 for youths (college ID and younger), $10.00 for adults and include access to the two exhibition games on Saturday as well. Swarm season ticket holders will receive one free ticket to the game per paid ticket on their account and access to a special “VIP” area. Youth lacrosse players that purchase a ticket to the game will be invited to participate in a pre-game clinic featuring Swarm players. Swarm Performance Team members and Swarm players will join participants from each team in a postgame autograph session for fans.
“We are very excited to be playing a terrific opponent in Notre Dame and a top club program in Minnesota Duluth,” said United States Military Academy Coach Joe Alberici. “Our players and staff are looking forward to being part of an outstanding event in Minnesota. It is no longer a secret that lacrosse is taking off in the area and we are proud to help bring a Division I lacrosse game to the state.”
A two-hour coaching clinic led by Notre Dame Coach Kevin Corrigan and Alberici will be held on Friday, Oct. 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the National Sports Center. The cost of the clinic is $25.00 and includes a ticket to Saturday’s games. Tickets for the coaching clinic can be purchased at www.mnswarm.com. The deadline to sign up for the clinic is Oct. 6.
“We are excited to come to Minnesota to play and especially put on the coaches clinic on Oct. 10,” said Corrigan. “We have had Minnesota teams at our camp the past few years and I’m always impressed with the passion and enthusiasm of the coaches and players. It should be a fun and informative night.”
PLAY LACROSSE presented by Reebok will be at the National Sports Center the entire weekend featuring interactive lacrosse games including a Lacrosse Game Cage, Shooting Cage and a Stick Trick Challenge Area. The U.S. Army will also have a booth featuring a climbing wall and an H3 from this year’s G.I. Joe movie.
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