BOSTON (December 9, 2013) – Major League Lacrosse, the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, in conjunction with the Atlanta Sports Council and Kennesaw State University, announced Fifth Third Bank Stadium, in Kennesaw, Ga., as the venue for the 2014 MLL Championship Game on August 23.
“We are thrilled to return to Fifth Third Bank Stadium and the Atlanta region,” said MLL Commissioner David Gross. “We believe in the growth of the sport in the area and having the Championship Game there is the next step as we contemplate future expansion.”
Last season, over four thousand fans traveled to Fifth Third Bank Stadium to witness the Rochester Rattlers take on the Boston Cannons in the first ever MLL game in Georgia. The game’s success paved the way for the League to entertain bringing one of its marquee events back to the area as it looks to expand.
“What a great compliment it is for Major League Lacrosse to think that highly of our facility, staff and community to want to host the Championship Game in Kennesaw,” said Vaughn Williams, Athletic Director at KSU. “We are excited and honored to be a part of the MLL season finale.”
The 2014 MLL Championship Game in the Atlanta region is a joint effort of MLL, the Atlanta Sports Council a division of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Cobb Sports Alliance and the local business community.
The Atlanta Sports Council has played a role in helping to attract and support more than 50 major sporting events to the Atlanta region, including Super Bowls XXVIII and XXXIV, the Centennial Olympic Games, two NCAA Women’s Final Fours and three NCAA Men’s Final Fours.
"Metro Atlanta has a strong affinity for lacrosse, both at the participant and fan levels, so it's only fitting that Kennesaw State University hosts the 2014 MLL championship game," said Dan Corso, executive director of the Atlanta Sports Council. “We are excited to play a role in organizing the event and look forward to a terrific game."
Formed in 2013, the Cobb Sports Alliance is a division of Cobb Travel & Tourism. Its mission is to create and support a complete sports, visitor, and community experience, thereby enhancing economic impact.
"Lacrosse has a large following in our community and the Cobb Sports Alliance, a division of Cobb Travel & Tourism, is very excited to be a part of the Major League Lacrosse Championship game," said Holly Bass, CEO of Cobb Travel & Tourism. "This is a fantastic opportunity for Cobb County, and we look forward to working with lacrosse at all levels to build an excellent fan experience."
The Atlanta region business community has also embraced the event, especially The Coca-Cola Company, whose strong commitment to sports and Major League Lacrosse is well documented.
“At Coca-Cola we strive to inspire people to come together and be inspired to get active,” said Sharon Byers, SVP Sports, Entertainment & Community Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “Major League Lacrosse players are the embodiment of healthy, active living and demonstrate the joy of athletic competition. We are excited to bring people together with the 2014 MLL Championship Game in our very own hometown.”