2018 MLL ALL-STAR GAME RETURNS TO BOSTON
MLL All-Stars to face Team USA at Harvard Stadium
BOSTON (February 13, 2018) – Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced today the 2018 MLL All-Star Game will return to Boston on Thursday, June 28 at Harvard Stadium, home of the Boston Cannons. The game will feature the MLL All-Stars facing Team USA as it prepares for the 2018 FIL World Lacrosse Championships from July 12-21 in Netanya, Israel.
“We are happy to bring the All-Star Game back to one of the most storied athletic venues in the country in Harvard Stadium,” MLL Commissioner Alexander Brown said. “Boston has hosted some of the greatest games in the history of MLL and we are excited to add to the rich lacrosse tradition here in Boston.”
Additionally, Grant Thornton, a leading independent audit, tax and advisory firm, has been named an official special events partner of MLL beginning with this season’s All-Star Game. Grant Thornton has offices located throughout the U.S., including two in the Boston area.
“Lacrosse is successfully challenging the sports world, increasing in popularity with players and fans alike, and making other sports take notice,” said David Platt, office managing partner of Grant Thornton’s New England practice. “We approach service to our clients the same way, and are excited to join Major League Lacrosse as they continue to inspire and create fun across the country.”
The 2018 game will mark the sixth MLL All-Star Game played in Boston and the fifth ever played at Harvard Stadium, which seats over 30,000 spectators. Starting in 2006, MLL has partnered with US Lacrosse every four years to showcase Team USA against the MLL All-Stars prior to the World Championships. The most recent game in 2014 saw Team USA edge the MLL All-Stars, 10-9.
The All-Star Game will provide the final test for Team USA prior to traveling to Israel. Earlier this year, Team USA Head Coach John Danowski named the 23-man roster that will represent the country. It includes 21 players currently playing in MLL and features the reigning Coca-Cola Most Valuable Player in Tom Schreiber and nine-time MLL All-Star Paul Rabil.
“We’re grateful to Major League Lacrosse for providing us the opportunity to showcase our national team program and play against some great competition,” said Lance Basler, General Manager of Team USA. “This will be the final time the U.S. team plays together before heading overseas and we’re looking forward to a great challenge against some of the sport’s best players to help us prepare for the World Championships.”
Harvard Stadium hosted the MLL All-Star Game in 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2014 and was the venue for the MLL Championship Game in 2008 and 2012. Built in 1903, it is the oldest permanent concrete structure in the country and currently hosts the Cannons in addition to Harvard football and lacrosse.
In addition to the All-Star Game, the MLL Players’ Council and Aloha Tournaments will host a youth skills clinic on June 27 and 28 at Millennium Park in West Roxbury. Prior to the game, fans are welcome in the Fan Zone at Harvard Stadium, which will include opportunities to meet MLL players, product demos from the top equipment suppliers in the world and interactive exhibits.
Last year’s All-Star Game in Sacramento, Calif. was decided in overtime by a goal from Chesapeake Bayhawks star Myles Jones, who was playing in the first All-Star Game of his career. It also marked the first ever All-Star Game in Northern California.
Tickets for the 2018 MLL All-Star Game are available on Ticketmaster and on MajorLeagueLacrosse.com.