Florida Launch

Hey South Florida, did you know that you can get tickets to a professional sports game in this town that don’t cost an arm and a leg? I know, it’s not Heat, Dolphins, Marlins, or even Panthers. It’s the Florida Launch, South Florida’s own professional lacrosse team. Playing eight home games a season at FAU in Boca, tickets can be well below twenty dollars a piece.
Not familiar with lacrosse? In many ways it is the oldest and newest sport around. Lacrosse was played by Native American Iroquois in the Northeastern United States. At the same time it is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States right now, especially in youth athletics. It seems that every new person I meet has their kid in lacrosse!
I think you have to actually watch a lacrosse game to appreciate it. The kids love it because they get to pass the ball with big sticks. It has elements of soccer and hockey. It is fast and physical, usually with more scoring than hockey and baseball.
The Launch, started by Casey Powell, one of the best lacrosse players ever, had their inaugural season in 2014. The crowds have definitely increased this year, although I can’t say they are filling half of lower bowl at the FAU stadium. It is a fun family event for the kids and anyone who lives or is interested in the game.
I am always impressed that the the players always take lots of time to sign autographs after the games. Sometimes they can be there for an hour signing the kids’ balls, hats, shirts, and even sticks! It certainly makes the kids even more enthusiastic about coming to the games and gives the whole experience a true hometown, warm, «feel good» experience. Perhaps some of our other professional sports teams could learn from that!
The Launch has done a better job of marketing this year with ticket packages and youth clinics. Believe it or not you can check out their games and other MLL games on ESPN! If you like what you see, you may want to come and check out a game in person. There are two more games left for the season… and then there is always next year!