BALTIMORE, Md. – The University of Denver men’s lacrosse team will take part in a new signature event called the “Mile High Classic,” hosted by Inside Lacrosse during the 2012 season, it was announced today by Bob Carpenter, publisher of Inside Lacrosse Magazine. The Pioneers will face the Duke University Blue Devils in a double header with defending National Champions Virginia and Penn at Sports Authority Field on Friday, April 27, 2012.
Virginia and Penn will kick off the Mile High Classic at 5:30 p.m. MT, followed by the Pioneers’ game against the Blue Devils at 8 p.m. MT. Recently dubbed the Lacrosse Capitol of the WestTM, Denver will face Duke for the fifth time in program history, with Duke holding a 3-1 advantage in the all-time series.
"The opportunity for the 2012 Denver Pioneers to be a part of the inaugural Mile High Classic is another piece of fulfilling our dream of showcasing what lacrosse means to Denver, the Capital of Lacrosse in the West,” said head coach Bill Tierney. “To have the chance to help our friends at Inside Lacrosse and the wonderful people from the Broncos and Outlaws organizations, host these amazing programs in Division I Lacrosse, is a great honor. Having the chance to experience being a part of these events in the past, has allowed me to be sure that everyone will be amazed by this double-header. We know it will send a great message to the NCAA that the city of Denver is ready to host a Lacrosse championship weekend in the near future."
The event will be IL’s third signature event scheduled for the 2012 season as the Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic is planned for March 10 and the Konica Minolta Big City Classic is planned for April.
Inside Lacrosse has established the standard for the promotion of lacrosse with its event properties. These events have brought unprecedented excitement and fan interest to college lacrosse’s regular season. Inside Lacrosse has drawn more than 200,000 fans to its 10 events, including 42,172 fans to its two events in 2011.
The addition of the Mile High Classic promises a highly-charged night of college lacrosse that could serve as a preview for a future NCAA Championship event to be held in Denver – or anywhere for that matter. This lineup includes four participants from the 2011 NCAA Tournament, three of whom advanced to the semifinals (Denver, Duke and Virginia) including the defending national champions (Virginia).
“Inside Lacrosse is thrilled to introduce the Mile High Classic,” Carpenter said. “For the past six years, Inside Lacrosse has been committed to creating memorable fan experiences with our event properties. The fact the sport is exploding in Colorado is undeniable and for some time we’ve been looking for the right opportunity to launch an event in Denver. This is an amazing game lineup that’s ideal to showcase the sport on a new stage.”
Carpenter added: “We could not possibly organize events like the Mile High Classic without the coaches and administrators at each of the participating schools sharing in our vision. And Edge Sports & Entertainment and the Denver Outlaws have stepped up as willing partners ready to open their stadium to host lacrosse fans for this high-profile event. We greatly appreciate their support and mutual interest in promoting the sport.”
“Inside Lacrosse has developed the most compelling collegiate lacrosse events in the country and it’s exciting that Sports Authority Field at Mile High will host their next event. Inside Lacrosse clearly recognizes the growth of the game in the West and the great lacrosse fans of Colorado in particular. Featuring three of last year’s Final Four teams, there is no doubt this will be a great day of lacrosse and we look forward to this being an annual event,” said Mac Freeman, President of the Denver Outlaws.
Tickets On Sale December 15 for the Mile High Classic
Tickets for the 2012 Mile High Classic will go on sale Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 at 10 a.m. MT (12 noon ET). Seating will be reserved for the prime locations at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Fans are encouraged to make their plans early to secure the best seats.
Ticket prices are: $40 for The Corral (on-field seating); $35 for VIP (First Four Rows); $35 for Premium Midfield; $25 for Sideline Reserved; and $15 General Admission seating behind the cage. Parking can be purchased on game day for $10. A limited number of Field Suites, with seating for a minimum of 10 people, are also available starting at $500. Fans interested in learning more about Field Suites should call 303-OUTLAWS (303-688-5297).
To purchase tickets, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or log on to Ticketmaster.com. Fans interested in saving on group ticket purchases of 10 or more should call 303-OUTLAWS (303-688-5297). Lacrosse fans can also go online to InsideLacrosse.com to find out the latest information regarding the event.
2012 Mile High Classic Preview: Elevating Lacrosse
Lacrosse is widely regarded as the nation’s fastest-growing sport. The Denver area illustrates that rapid growth and has earned a reputation as the No. 1 emerging market in lacrosse. The Mile High Classic will be an opportunity for lacrosse fans in Colorado, and the Western states, to prove that their passion matches the intensity found back East.
Game No. 1 – Virginia vs. Penn (5:30 p.m. MT): The first game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High matches up teams that will likely be jockeying for position in the upcoming NCAA draw. Virginia enters its final game of the regular season looking to sharpen its focus for another run towards Memorial Day. Last season Penn earned its first invite to the NCAA party since 2006. The past two recruiting classes in Philadelphia have been impressive and there’s enough talent to suggest that a return to the post-season is in the cards. A high-profile win over the Cavaliers could seal the deal for the Quakers.
Game No. 2 – Duke vs. Denver (8 p.m. MT): A electric atmosphere is anticipated for the next meeting of Duke and Denver. The Blue Devils are the established brand name, with five straight final four appearances and a national title (2010) on the resume. In 2011, a 12-9 win over Duke, on neutral ground, set the table for Denver’s late season surge that marked the Pioneers as the poster boys for the growth of lacrosse. This will be a chance for the Pioneers to prove that they are here to stay and will be a factor in deciding the national title.