The Montana Lacrosse League (MLL for short) had its inaugural season in Missoula, Montana live from The Sports Barn in October.
One of the main goals of the Montana Lacrosse League is to bridge the gap between field and box lacrosse in the USA, as field and box lacrosse players from all across the States and Canada set their sights on Montana and got together for a high-paced 4-on-4 two-weekend tournament in the Treasure State.
Four teams were built through a draft system that combined some of the best lacrosse players in North America, including players on NLL rosters, training camps, and NCAA Division 1 schools.
The Crusaders would finish the tournament with a 5-0-0 record, beating the 2-3-0 Rock Hoppers in the Championship Final 18-15.
Going into its second season they will be looking to expand the event even further and look to capitalize on the momentum they gained in 2024 heading into 2025, I truthfully believe the Montana
Lacrosse League will be one of the best lacrosse events to attend in the country, whether as a player or as a fan.
Why should you care, or even better, why should you attend?
The City
Missoula, Montana is one of the best cities in the USA I have attended purely from a tourism experience, the tournament is condensed and if you want to spend your entire weekend watching lacrosse, there will be a game for you to watch!
However, if you are an adventurous type Missoula has some of the best outdoor experiences in the country with amazing golf courses and climbing/rafting opportunities. Missoula is also home to the
University of Montana Grizzlies Football team, one of the best FCS schools in the nation consistently and known for one of the best college football experiences in the country. The Grizzlies schedule coincides with the Montana Lacrosse League schedule perfectly (most of the players and fans who traveled went to University of Montana games during the weekend)
The Lacrosse
The Montana Lacrosse League is played out of The Sports Barn in Missoula, a custom-built condensed box lacrosse arena with proper turf and full netting coverage, allowing for a no-whistle fast-paced 4-on-4 game that promotes offensive skill and playmaking.
Some of the best field and box lacrosse players in North America combined with the natural size of the playing area, create an environment where offensive players can shine, defensive players can close gaps, make plays themselves, and get involved.
It's a friendly, but competitive environment where players can essentially "tune up" for their college seasons or NLL training camps without the risk of getting injured.
Games are broadcast online through a streaming partner (2024 was 12ozSports) and the Finals were broadcast on ESPN Radio 102.9.
It's the perfect opportunity for players to get some eyeballs on their play instead of staying dormant through the fall months.
Conclusion
I attended the 2024 Montana Lacrosse League and helped run the broadcast and one of the most common things I heard around the locker rooms from players was how they needed to "plan better for next year" because they wanted to be in Missoula the whole week.
I wholeheartedly agree, that there is enough to do in Missoula that if you are looking to attend in 2025, you should 100% book the entire week off between the game weekends and enjoy what the city and the state have to offer.
Take in one of the many coaching clinics the players of the Montana Lacrosse League have to offer during the week, drop by, and experience The Sports Barn, whatever you do, make it a point to be there in 2025.
I'll be there, will you?
Follow the Montana Lacrosse League on Instagram HERE
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