By: Guadalupe Monarrez
On June 30, FAU Stadium became the 11th venue to host a Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game.
Saturday night marked the first time a Major League Lacrosse game has been played in the state of Florida, which allowed thousands of fans to embrace the first professional league to debut on the newly constructed field.
Presented by Moe’s Southwest Grill, fans were able to experience various All Star pre-game festivities. Tents from sponsors lined the walls of the stadium, where crowds gathered before making their way onto the field.
“I am hoping to have a good time tonight,” Boca Raton resident Evan Miller said, “I have been playing lacrosse since I was 5 years old.”
Televised by ESPN2, the MLL All-Stars were not the only ones who showcased their talents on the national stage. FAU students Geraldine Fleurimond and Rebecca Guillaume gave phenomenal renditions of the Canadian and United States national anthems to kickoff the game.
Once the Young Gun and Old School players took their positions on the field, fans erupted in glee.
“It is always exciting to come to a lacrosse game,” Boca Raton resident Kelly Powell said, “This is the first time I have attended a Major League game and it has been a good experience overall.”
“We have been playing for years and we are big fans of the sport,” brother Bryan Powell added, “We are very happy they chose FAU to have the event.”
Tied at halftime, fans were enthralled as their favorite players joined together to compete in the annual Bud Light Skills Competition. The competition consisted of three events, including the Fastest Shot, Freestyle, and the Goalie Gauntlet contests.
“I think the All Star game is just so much fun because they do a little bit of everything,” Baltimore resident Louise Larson said, “They just try to make it a good time for everybody.”
After a grueling second half, the Old School All-Star team emerged victorious with a 18-17 win over the Young Guns. But, it was the overwhelming support from fans that left an impression on the lacrosse league.
“Lacrosse is catching on like crazy, and now it is growing nationally,” Larson said, “It is expanding to more and more states.”
With the success of the 2012 MLL All-Star Game, there is no doubt that lacrosse is well on its way to becoming one of the many popular sports among the South Florida community.
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