For a second consecutive year, the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) Championship will head to Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The PLL Championship will be taking place at 12:30 p.m., when a new champion will be crowned. Last year’s championship match saw the New York Atlas defeat the Denver Outlaws in a close battle. This year, the PLL, the top level of professional lacrosse in North America, is hoping to bring yet another exciting match to the Garden State.
This year’s final match has yet to be decided, with the semifinals taking place on Monday, Sept. 7, to decide which two teams will advance to the championship. The two semifinals matchups are the Denver Outlaws vs. Utah Archers and Boston Cannons vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs, with the two winners securing a spot to play at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
The Garden State was selected to host the PLL Championship due to its large presence in the world of lacrosse. 201 NJ public high schools have varsity lacrosse programs, boasting some of the most talented young players in the sport. With many families invested in the sport located conveniently near the stadium, it makes it the perfect location to hold the PLL Championship.
Since the PLL’s inception in 2019, lacrosse has grown significantly, which includes a surge in participation at the youth and college levels, as well as the sport making its return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028. Many of the PLL’s athletes currently represent their nations in the sport and will be making their Olympic debuts in two years.
Prior to the PLL Championship, there will be a week-long celebration honoring the current season as it comes to an end. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, to kick off Championship Week, an after-dark, bluelight lacrosse experience will be held.
On Friday, Sept. 18, players and coaches will be available for Media Day, creating the storylines that will play out during the PLL Championship.Taking place that same day is the ‘Street Lacrosse Pro Tour’, which brings the sport to local urban communities. Later that night, the league’s annual awards celebration will be occurring, honoring the season’s most impactful players in the PLL and WLL. The week will conclude with the PLL Championship, bringing a day full of top-level lacrosse to New Jersey.
To purchase tickets, visit https://premierlacrosseleague.com/championship.