Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown welcomed an announcement Thursday that Jacksonville was selected as a site for a team in the new North American Lacrosse League (NALL) that begins play in January 2012. "We are thrilled to welcome the North American Lacrosse League to Jacksonville," he said. "I have long touted Jacksonville's attraction as a sports hub, and lacrosse will be a wonderful addition to the multiple sports franchises we already have in our city."
NALL Commissioner Phil Evans announced that the league will place its third franchise for its inaugural season at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial arena, where the team will play its home games during its first season. Team owner Brett Vickers, president of Florida-based Equity Sports, said, "We're very excited about bringing an NALL expansion franchise to the Jacksonville market. We believe this market has the potential to be the number one market in the league."
Jacksonville joins the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Shamrocks and Charlotte, NC, as the first three franchises announced by NALL. During its inaugural season, teams will play a 12-game schedule, with additional exhibition games against international squads. For additional information on the NALL, visit its website at
www.NorthAmericanLacrosseLeague.com.