Boston Named The Home City Of PLL’s Cannons Lacrosse Club
The Boston Cannons are coming home. The Premier Lacrosse League announced the host city for each of their eight professional teams today. In Massachusetts, the city of Boston was awarded the Cannons lacrosse club team starting next season.
Live from the 2 p.m. hour of ESPN’s SportsCenter, PLL Co-Founder Paul Rabil officially unveiled each of the home cities. The Cannons were the first team announced. Joining Boston was New York (Atlas), Philadelphia (Waterdogs), Maryland (Whipsnakes), Carolina (Chaos), Utah (Archers) and Redwoods (California). In addition, the Chrome lacrosse club has rebranded to become the Denver Outlaws.
There’s A Deep Boston Cannons History
From 2001 until to 2020, the Boston Cannons were a professional team in the Major Lacrosse League. They became simply the “Cannons” upon the MLL being absorbed by the PLL. In fact, Paul Rabil (who is the most well-known lacrosse player in the country) was a Cannons player. Rabil played for the MLL Cannons from 2008 – 2014. He also finished his career in the PLL, playing for one year on the Cannons.
The Cannons used to play all of their home (MLL) games at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, MA. Now, Gillette Stadium has hosted a PLL event each of the past three seasons. Last year, the all-star game was held in Foxborough, and this past September, the first round of the playoffs was there as well.
The Cannons were the only PLL club to migrate from Major League Lacrosse when the merger was announced in late 2020. Now, with the Chrome becoming the Denver Outlaws, there will technically be two.
The Future Of The Premier Lacrosse League
For 2024, the PLL will maintain the touring model, but the tour stops will be at the assigned home cities. The host team will then play a doubleheader that weekend. Prior to that, the PLL will hold the Championship Series tournament. This will take place February 14-19 in Washington, DC. Here, “Teams will compete in Olympic Sixes, the game format set to bring lacrosse back to the Olympics for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games, marked by fast-paced play on a condensed field with a shortened shot clock, and faceoffs limited to the start of each quarter,” the PLL stated.
In the meantime, you can check out all the details behind the Boston Cannons on the PLL’s Instagram announcement. Furthermore, Boston Cannons section on the Premier Lacrosse League’s website launched today. Their biggest stars are Marcus Holman and Asher Nolting. The team will be coached by Marcus’ father, Brian Holman.
4 Reasons Why The PLL Will Continue To Grow Professional Lacrosse
The Player Access
Let’s be clear on something, these are the best lacrosse players in the country. Most of them were drafted into this professional league straight out of major division one college programs. After every game, kids swarm down the ailes and into the front rows of the stadium. The players then make their way over and sign as many autographs as possible. Given this past weekend was the playoffs, many players on the losing team also gave away their gear. Jerseys and gloves were thrown into the stands. Some players went as far as signing their sticks or stick heads, and then giving it to one lucky fan. These are memorable moments (and memorabilia items) every young sports fan cherishes forever.
The Gear
There are eight different teams in the PLL. Each of them is uniquely branded and named. In addition, they each have engaging color schemes and logos that get frequent updates. From the retro jersey games, to the alternate uniforms, the Premier Lacrosse League has done an excellent job keeping their merch interesting – and collectible. You can customize the jersey you buy or select your favorite player to support. Of the eight teams, none of their nicknames are seen in any other professional sport. You can order it via their website or at pick it up at the merch booths at games.
