When does the 2019 MLL season start. What are the major changes to the schedule for 2019. Which teams will face off in the season opener. How many games will be played on weekends vs weekdays.
Major League Lacrosse Unveils 2019 Regular Season Schedule
Major League Lacrosse (MLL) has announced its highly anticipated 2019 regular season schedule, featuring several exciting changes and key matchups. The season is set to kick off during the weekend of May 31-June 2, with a thrilling five-game slate to open the action.
Opening Weekend Highlights
The defending champion Denver Outlaws will face off against the New York Lizards in what promises to be an electrifying start to the season. Other opening weekend matchups include:
- Atlanta Blaze vs. Florida Launch (May 31)
- Ohio Machine vs. Boston Cannons (June 1)
- Atlanta Blaze vs. Chesapeake Bayhawks (June 2)
- Charlotte Hounds vs. Dallas Rattlers (June 2)
Player-Driven Schedule Changes for 2019
The 2019 schedule incorporates several changes advocated for by the league’s players, aimed at enhancing the overall experience for both athletes and fans. These modifications include:
- A post-Memorial Day season start date
- Emphasis on weekend games
- Each team playing each other twice (first time since 2015)
- Reduction in doubleheader weekends
How will these changes impact the players? Matt Abbott, a 10-year veteran midfielder for the Bayhawks, shared his thoughts: “As I enter into my 11th season playing in Major League Lacrosse, I can confidently say that this new schedule will offer the greatest experience for the player. Starting the season after Memorial Day allows us to get all of our rookies in from day 1, cutting back on weekday games makes it easier for players to travel, and the additional games added to the season gives us more opportunities to get out in front of the fans.”
Weekend-Focused Schedule and Broadcast Partnerships
The 2019 MLL schedule features a total of 58 weekend games and only 14 weekday games, addressing the desires of both players and fans. This shift towards more weekend matches is expected to improve attendance and overall fan engagement.
To bring the action to screens across the country, MLL will continue its partnerships with ESPN and Lax Sports Network (LSN). ESPN+ will feature a Game of the Week, while the All-Star Game on July 27 will be broadcast on ESPN2. The Championship game, scheduled for September 29, will be shown on ESPNEWS.
Key Dates and Special Events
Lacrosse fans should mark their calendars for these important dates:
- All-Star Game: July 27 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
- Championship Weekend: September 27-29 (location to be announced)
- Denver Outlaws’ Annual Fourth of July Game (typically drawing crowds of 20,000-30,000)
Rivalry Matchups and Championship Rematches
The 2019 schedule promises intense competition with several notable matchups:
- Denver Outlaws vs. Dallas Rattlers (June 27) – 2018 Championship rematch
- Denver Outlaws vs. Chesapeake Bayhawks (July 4) – 2018 Semifinal rematch
- Atlanta Blaze vs. Florida Launch (May 31) – Southern rivalry
How do the teams feel about these matchups? Mac Freeman, President of the Denver Outlaws, expressed excitement: “We had a fantastic season last year, and as we look at next year’s schedule, we are looking forward to holding onto the Steinfeld Trophy in 2019. In our first home game of the season, we will face off against Dallas, who I am sure will be out for revenge; but with home-field advantage and the best fans in lacrosse behind us, we look forward to putting on a great show.”
Innovative Scheduling Software Partnership
To create the most efficient and balanced schedule possible, MLL partnered with GotPro, a sports software company. This collaboration marks the beginning of a three-year partnership, bringing state-of-the-art scheduling technology to the league.
Gavin Owen-Thomas, founder and president of GotPro, commented on the partnership: “GotPro is pleased to have helped MLL on the 2019 season schedule. While we work with professional sports leagues from all around the globe, we were excited to enter into a partnership with MLL for the next three years. Our best-in-class software is now pairing with the best lacrosse has to offer. As lacrosse continues to grow, GotPro looks forward to bringing our tailor-made software products to lacrosse leagues and teams across the country.”
MLL’s Commitment to Fan and Player Experience
The 2019 schedule reflects MLL’s dedication to improving the overall experience for fans, players, and teams. Alexander Brown, MLL Commissioner, emphasized this commitment: “This schedule is the result of input from our players, coaches, GMs, and team presidents. It reflects our commitment to consistently improve the experience for our fans, our players, and our teams. The schedule highlights the best rivalries in the game and features a great lineup for our broadcast partners.”
Impact on Team Strategies and Player Development
How might the new schedule affect team strategies and player development? With each team now playing against every other team twice, coaches and players will have more opportunities to study their opponents and adjust their game plans accordingly. This increased familiarity could lead to more tactical and strategic play as the season progresses.
The post-Memorial Day start date also allows teams to integrate their rookie players more effectively from the beginning of the season. This could potentially accelerate player development and team cohesion, leading to a higher quality of play throughout the league.
Balanced Competition and Fair Play
The new schedule structure ensures a more balanced and fair competition among all teams. By playing each other twice, teams will have equal opportunities to prove themselves against every opponent, regardless of conference or division. This format may lead to a more accurate representation of team strengths and could make for an exciting and unpredictable playoff race.
Growing the Sport: MLL’s Role in Lacrosse Expansion
How does the 2019 schedule contribute to the growth of lacrosse as a sport? The emphasis on weekend games and the strategic partnerships with ESPN and Lax Sports Network are clear indications of MLL’s efforts to increase the sport’s visibility and accessibility.
By scheduling more games during prime viewing times and ensuring broader media coverage, MLL is positioning itself to attract new fans and potentially inspire the next generation of lacrosse players. The league’s commitment to showcasing the best rivalries and most exciting matchups could help create compelling narratives that capture the imagination of sports fans beyond the current lacrosse community.
Community Engagement and Local Impact
The new schedule also provides more opportunities for teams to engage with their local communities. With more weekend games, teams can organize family-friendly events, youth clinics, and community outreach programs that coincide with game days. This increased community presence could help strengthen the bond between MLL teams and their fan bases, fostering long-term support and growth for the sport.
Technology and Innovation in MLL
The partnership with GotPro for scheduling demonstrates MLL’s openness to incorporating cutting-edge technology into its operations. How else might technology shape the future of Major League Lacrosse?
Potential areas for technological innovation in MLL could include:
- Advanced analytics for player performance and team strategies
- Virtual and augmented reality experiences for fans
- Improved broadcast technologies for more immersive viewing experiences
- Social media and digital content strategies to engage younger audiences
As the sport continues to evolve, MLL’s embrace of technology could set new standards for how professional sports leagues operate and engage with their fans.
Player Welfare and Work-Life Balance
The reduction in weekday games and doubleheader weekends addresses important concerns about player welfare and work-life balance. Many MLL players have full-time jobs or other commitments outside of lacrosse, and the new schedule aims to make it easier for them to manage their professional and athletic careers.
This focus on player welfare could have several positive outcomes:
- Improved player performance due to reduced travel stress and better rest between games
- Increased player longevity in the league
- Attraction of top talent who may have previously been deterred by the demanding schedule
- Enhanced overall quality of play across the league
Long-term Benefits for MLL
By prioritizing player welfare, MLL is investing in the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the league. Happy, well-rested players are more likely to perform at their best, creating a more exciting product for fans and potentially attracting more sponsorship and media attention.
Fan Experience and Engagement Opportunities
How does the new schedule enhance the fan experience? The concentration of games on weekends provides several benefits for MLL supporters:
- Easier attendance for fans with work or school commitments
- More opportunities for families to attend games together
- Potential for larger, more energetic crowds at stadiums
- Increased social media engagement around game days
MLL teams could leverage this weekend-focused schedule to create more engaging game-day experiences, such as pre-game festivities, halftime shows, and post-game meet-and-greets with players. These initiatives could help transform MLL games into must-attend events for sports fans in their local communities.
Building Traditions and Rivalries
With each team now playing every other team twice, there’s a greater opportunity to build and nurture rivalries across the league. Rivalries are often a key driver of fan interest and engagement in sports, and MLL could benefit from promoting these matchups throughout the season.
The annual Fourth of July game hosted by the Denver Outlaws is an excellent example of how a regular-season game can become a beloved tradition. Other teams might look to create similar signature events that become annual highlights for their fans and communities.
Economic Impact and Growth Opportunities
The revamped MLL schedule could have significant economic implications for the league and its host cities. How might these changes impact the financial landscape of professional lacrosse?
Potential economic benefits include:
- Increased ticket sales due to more fan-friendly game times
- Higher concession and merchandise revenues from larger crowds
- Improved sponsorship opportunities with more consistent weekend exposure
- Greater economic impact on host cities through increased tourism and local spending on game days
As MLL continues to grow, the league and its teams may be able to negotiate more favorable venue agreements, media rights deals, and sponsorship contracts, further solidifying the financial foundation of professional lacrosse.
Expansion and Market Growth
The success of the 2019 schedule could pave the way for future expansion of MLL. If the new format proves popular with fans and financially viable for teams, the league might consider adding new franchises or exploring untapped markets.
Potential areas for growth could include:
- Expansion into new geographic regions
- Partnerships with existing sports franchises or venues
- Development of youth lacrosse programs in MLL markets
- Collaboration with international lacrosse organizations to grow the sport globally
Adapting to the Evolving Sports Landscape
The changes implemented in the 2019 MLL schedule demonstrate the league’s ability to adapt to the evolving sports landscape. In an era where fans have countless entertainment options, how can MLL continue to innovate and remain competitive?
Some potential strategies include:
- Embracing digital platforms and streaming services to reach younger audiences
- Experimenting with game formats or rule changes to enhance excitement
- Collaborating with other sports leagues or entertainment entities for cross-promotion
- Investing in player development to ensure a high-quality on-field product
By staying agile and responsive to fan preferences and industry trends, MLL can position itself for long-term success in the competitive world of professional sports.
Lessons for Other Sports Leagues
MLL’s approach to schedule restructuring and fan engagement could serve as a model for other emerging sports leagues. The emphasis on player input, fan-friendly game times, and strategic use of technology demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that balances the needs of various stakeholders.
As the sports industry continues to evolve, leagues that prioritize player welfare, fan experience, and innovative technologies are likely to thrive. MLL’s 2019 schedule may well be remembered as a turning point not just for lacrosse, but for how professional sports leagues approach season planning and fan engagement in the 21st century.
MLL Announces 2019 Regular Season Schedule
MLL Announces 2019 Regular Season Schedule | USA Lacrosse Magazine
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MLL Announces 2019 Regular Season Schedule
Thu Nov 29 2018 | Press Release | Pro
MLL
PHOTO BY DONNIE RIGGS/PRETTY INSTANT
Matt Abbott and the Bayhawks will open their MLL season against the Atlanta Blaze on June 2.
BOSTON – Major League Lacrosse announced Thursday a robust 2019 regular season schedule, opening during the weekend of May 31-June 2, that includes a five-game slate highlighted by the defending champion Denver Outlaws facing the New York Lizards.
The 2019 schedule (listed below) includes many changes advocated for by the league’s players, including a season start date after Memorial Day and an emphasis on playing weekend games. In addition, each team will play each other twice, the first time that has occurred since 2015, before the league expansion to include the Atlanta Blaze.
In conjunction with its schedule announcement, MLL will continue its partnerships with both ESPN and Lax Sports Network (LSN) to bring games to screens across the country. ESPN, via its ESPN+ service, will feature a Game of the Week. The league’s All-Star Game, taking place July 27, will be broadcast on ESPN2, while the Championship on Sept. 29, will be shown on ESPNEWS. The All-Star game will be played in Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on July 27. Championship Weekend will be Sept. 27-29 and the location will be announced at a later date.
“This schedule is the result of input from our players, coaches, GMs and team presidents,” said Alexander Brown, MLL Commissioner. “It reflects our commitment to consistently improve the experience for our fans, our players, and our teams. The schedule highlights the best rivalries in the game and features a great lineup for our broadcast partners.”
In addition to the Outlaws-Lizards match, MLL opening weekend will see the Atlanta Blaze traveling to face their Southern rivals the Florida Launch on Friday, May 31.
On Saturday, June 1, the 2017 champion Ohio Machine travel to face the Boston Cannons, one of the league’s original franchises. Closing out the opening slate on Sunday, June 2, the Blaze will face the Chesapeake Bayhawks and the Dallas Rattlers will host the Charlotte Hounds.
The 2019 schedule features 58 weekend games and only 14 weekday games, something players and fans alike called for. In addition, the league took player input into account in limiting doubleheader weekends.
“As I enter into my 11th season playing in Major League Lacrosse, I can confidently say that this new schedule will offer the greatest experience for the player,” said Bayhawks midfielder Matt Abbott, a 10-year veteran of the league. “Starting the season after Memorial Day allows us to get all of our rookies in from day 1, cutting back on weekday games makes it easier for players to travel and the additional games added to the season gives us more opportunities to get out in front of the fans.”
Other schedule highlights include the Outlaws opening their home slate with a 2018 championship game rematch against the Dallas Rattlers on June 27.
In what has become a league tradition, the Outlaws will also host their annual Fourth of July game. Typically the largest regular season game of the year with crowds between 20,000-30,000, this year’s edition will feature a 2018 semifinal rematch against the Chesapeake Bayhawks.
“We had a fantastic season last year, and as we look at next year’s schedule we are looking forward to holding onto the Steinfeld Trophy in 2019,” said Mac Freeman, President of the Denver Outlaws and Senior Vice President of Business Development for the Denver Broncos. “In our first home game of the season we will face off against Dallas, who I am sure will be out for revenge; but with home field advantage and the best fans in lacrosse behind us, we look forward to putting on a great show.”
The league partnered with GotPro, a sports software company, in creating this year’s schedule. This state-of-the-art scheduling software helped find the best slate of games given each teams’ specific needs.
“GotPro is pleased to have helped MLL on the 2019 season schedule,” said GotPro founder and president Gavin Owen-Thomas.
“While we work with professional sports leagues from all around the globe, we were excited to enter into a partnership with MLL for the next three years. Our best-in-class software is now pairing with the best lacrosse has to offer. As lacrosse continues to grow, GotPro looks forward to bringing our tailor made software products to lacrosse leagues and teams across the country.”
MLL 2019 Regular Season Schedule
Date | Away | Home |
|---|---|---|
| May 31 | Denver | New York |
| May 31 | Atlanta | Florida |
| June 1 | Ohio | Boston |
| June 2 | Atlanta | Chesapeake |
| June 2 | Charlotte | Dallas |
| June 7 | Chesapeake | Florida |
| June 8 | New York | Ohio |
| June 8 | Boston | Charlotte |
| June 8 | Denver | Atlanta |
| June 9 | Florida | Dallas |
| June 15 | Boston | Florida |
| June 15 | Chesapeake | New York |
| June 15 | Charlotte | Ohio |
| June 21 | New York | Atlanta |
| June 22 | Denver | Charlotte |
| June 22 | Chesapeake | Boston |
| June 27 | Dallas | Denver |
| June 28 | Atlanta | Charlotte |
| June 29 | Denver | Boston |
| June 29 | Dallas | New York |
| June 29 | Ohio | Chesapeake |
| June 30 | Charlotte | Florida |
| July 4 | Chesapeake | Denver |
| July 6 | New York | Florida |
| July 6 | Charlotte | Chesapeake |
| July 6 | Boston | Dallas |
| July 7 | Ohio | Atlanta |
| July 11 | Boston | New York |
| July 11 | Atlanta | Denver |
| July 13 | Denver | Ohio |
| July 13 | Florida | Atlanta |
| July 14 | Chesapeake | Dallas |
| July 20 | Atlanta | Boston |
| July 20 | New York | Chesapeake |
| July 20 | Dallas | Charlotte |
| July 21 | Florida | Denver |
| July 27 | MLL All-Star Game | |
Aug. 2 | Florida | Ohio |
| Aug. 3 | Dallas | Atlanta |
| Aug. 3 | Boston | Chesapeake |
| Aug. 3 | Charlotte | Denver |
| Aug. 4 | Ohio | New York |
| Aug. 10 | Chesapeake | Atlanta |
| Aug. 10 | New York | Charlotte |
| Aug. 10 | Florida | Boston |
| Aug. 10 | Ohio | Dallas |
| Aug. 17 | Boston | Ohio |
| Aug. 17 | Atlanta | New York |
| Aug. 17 | Florida | Chesapeake |
| Aug. 17 | Denver | Dallas |
| Aug. 24 | New York | Boston |
| Aug. 24 | Charlotte | Atlanta |
Aug. 24 | Ohio | Denver |
| Aug. 25 | Dallas | Chesapeake |
| Aug. 29 | Dallas | Florida |
| Aug. 31 | Ohio | Charlotte |
| Aug. 31 | New York | Dallas |
| Aug. 31 | Boston | Denver |
| Sept. 7 | Charlotte | Boston |
| Sept. 7 | Florida | New York |
| Sept. 7 | Atlanta | Dallas |
| Sept. 8 | Chesapeake | Ohio |
| Sept. 13 | Chesapeake | Charlotte |
| Sept. 14 | Dallas | Ohio |
| Sept. 14 | Boston | Atlanta |
| Sept. 14 | New York | Denver |
| Sept. 15 | Florida | Charlotte |
Sept. 20 | Denver | Chesapeake |
| Sept. 20 | Ohio | Florida |
| Sept. 21 | Charlotte | New York |
| Sept. 21 | Dallas | Boston |
| Sept. 22 | Denver | Florida |
| Sept. 22 | Atlanta | Ohio |
| Sept. 27-29 | MLL Championship |
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2019 Chesapeake Bayhawks lacrosse Roster on StatsCrew.com
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Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Team Record: 10-6
Finishing 1st in MLL
Postseason: 2-0
Won Championship
Coach: Dave Cottle (10-6)
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Attendance: 57,165, Avg.
7,146 in 8 home dates
2019 Chesapeake Bayhawks Statistics
The Chesapeake Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse ended the 2019 season with a record of 10 wins, 6 losses and 0 ties for points, finishing first in MLL, and compiled a postseason mark of 2-0.
The Bayhawks topped the league with just 193 goals allowed. Chesapeake chalked up 214 goals. Lyle Thompson scored 46 goals for the squad, while Andrew Kew, Matt Abbott, Steele Stanwick, Colin Heacock, Nick Mariano and Brendan Bomberry each contributed ten or more, too. Lyle Thompson and Steele Stanwick each accounted for 27 assists. Brian Phipps recorded a 10.51 goals against average, pacing regular keepers.
Dave Cottle coached the team. The 2019 Chesapeake Bayhawks won the Championship.
Click on column headings to sort.
| Player | Pos. | Birth Date | Height | Weight | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Abbott | M | September 10, 1986 | 6’1″ | 178 | Syracuse, NY |
| Niko Amato | G | 5’8″ | 185 | ||
| Tyler Barbarich | F | 5’10” | 210 | Martinsville, NJ | |
| Jesse Bernhardt | D | September 7, 1990 | 6’1″ | 200 | Longwood, FL |
| Brendan Bomberry | F | June 12, 1995 | 5’11” | 160 | Six Nations, ON |
| CJ Costabile | D | December 4, 1989 | 6’1″ | 197 | New Fairfield, CT |
| Greg Danseglio | D | ||||
| Isaiah Davis-Allen | M | February 22, 1995 | 6’3″ | 180 | Springfield, VA |
| Jack Doyle | M | 6’2″ | 185 | Towson, MD | |
| Chris Fennell | D | 6’2″ | 211 | Milford, NJ | |
| Jon Garino | D | 5’10” | 180 | Newtown Square, PA | |
| Colin Heacock | A | April 7, 1994 | 6’3″ | 210 | Catonsville, MD |
| Thomas Hoggarth | T | October 20, 1995 | 6’3″ | 195 | Lakefield, ON |
| Ryan Hursey | M | 6’4″ | 205 | Finksburg, MD | |
| Warren Jeffrey | D | March 19, 1997 | 6’3″ | 210 | Mimico, ON |
| Ryan Keenan | F | September 10, 1994 | 6’1″ | 180 | Oshawa, ON |
| Andrew Kew | A | May 19, 1996 | 6’3″ | 210 | Oakville, ON |
| Nick Manis | M | 6’0″ | 190 | Annapolis, MD | |
| Nick Mariano | M | 6’0″ | 182 | Yorktown Heights, NY | |
| Kenny Massa | FO | September 18, 1995 | 5’11” | 180 | Huntington, NY |
| Kevin Massa | M | 5’10” | 200 | ||
| Sean Mayle | M | January 12, 1996 | 6’0″ | 195 | Redwood City, CA |
| Kevin McNally | M | 6’0″ | 200 | Hillburn, NY | |
| Eric O’Brien | F | December 27, 1984 | 6’3″ | 220 | Columbus, OH |
| Adam Osika | M | April 17, 1990 | 6’3″ | 205 | Mason, OH |
| Michael Panepinto | M | 5’11” | 200 | Needham, MA | |
| Brian Phipps | G | November 26, 1987 | 5’9″ | 185 | Annapolis, MD |
| DJ Plumer | M | 6’3″ | 200 | Stevensville, MD | |
| Zac Prattson | D | 6’0″ | 180 | Tolland, CT | |
| Shane Simpson | D | July 18, 1994 | 6’2″ | 170 | Hamilton, ON |
| Steele Stanwick | A | September 12, 1989 | 6’0″ | 190 | Baltimore, MD |
| Lyle Thompson | F | September 9, 1992 | 6’0″ | 180 | Onondaga Nation, NY |
| Kyle Tucker | D | 6’0″ | 195 | Chester Springs, PA | |
| Ryan Tucker | M | October 11, 1992 | 6’1″ | 195 | |
| Mike Unterstein | M | June 5, 1986 | 5’11” | 195 | Shoreham, NY |
| John Wagner | A | May 7, 1994 | 6’2″ | 200 | St. Catharines, ON |
| Colton Watkinson | T | April 6, 1993 | 6’4″ | 195 | Burlington, ON |
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