For the region's lacrosse fans, Friday night was all about the return of indoor lacrosse to New England for the first time in more than three years. The Mohegan Sun Arena was the site, as 5,768 fans saw the New England Black Wolves top the Buffalo Bandits 12-8 in the franchise's first National Lacrosse League game in Uncasville, Connecticut.
While the attendance was reported in the media as a success, area sports fans will have to give a little more support if they wish to see the team succeed off the field. The NLL may not have the national television exposure that the four major sports leagues have, but the league still sees its fair share of large crowds.
With nine franchises from Connecticut to British Columbia, the league remains strong and shows the potential for growth. One success of the league is its reach to the mobile viewer, which comes at a time when online digital content continues to be a major emphasis for the sports and entertainment industry. The NLL's partnership with ESPN is currently in its fourth-straight season, as 21 games will be broadcast live on ESPN3, available on WatchESPN.com and the WatchESPN app.
Friday's game at the Mohegan Sun Arena was broadcast live on ESPN3, and a replay can be viewed anytime on WatchESPN.
Friday's game at the Mohegan Sun Arena was broadcast live on ESPN3, and a replay can be viewed anytime on WatchESPN.
The Black Wolves continue their first season at the 9,323-seat Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut on Saturday, January 10. The previous NLL franchise that played in New England was the Boston Blazers, playing at TD Garden from 2009 through 2011.
Zach Baru can be followed on Twitter @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
