The Premier Lacrosse League announced today that the eight teams in their sport will be assigned home cities for the 2024 season. Currently, they operate off a touring model with all the clubs traveling together. So, it’s fair to wonder, will Boston be a home city selected to get a PLL pro lacrosse team?
“Moving our eight teams into home cities will mark the biggest investment in the league since its inception,” said Paul Rabil, co-founder and President of the Premier Lacrosse League. “This move will unlock deeper, more connected relationships between our fans, teams and players. Continuing to build a global presence around lacrosse and driving our mission forward will remain core to our approach. We’re giving the PLL local love and global awareness.”
So Why Boston?
The PLL is about to embark on their fifth official season. Of their eight teams, one of them should sound familiar to New England area lacrosse enthusiasts. The Cannons are the only PLL club to migrate over from Major League Lacrosse when the merger was announced in late 2020. Prior to that the Cannons had been “The Boston Cannons” in the MLL. In fact, Paul Rabil (who is the most well-known lacrosse name in the country) was a Cannons player. Rabil played for the Boston Cannons team in MLL pro lacrosse 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. 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 year the first round of the playoffs will be there as well.
It is worth noting that The Kraft Group is an investor in the Premier Lacrosse League.
This Season
The PLL regular season begins next weekend, June 3, in Albany, NY. At the end of the year, they will announce the home locations. 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.
For now, we have Labor Day weekend to look forward to as the PLL takes over Gillette Stadium prior to the Patriots kicking off their season. Perhaps that will serve as a precursor to Boston being named a city selected to get a PLL pro lacrosse team in 2024.
Boston Will be the Only U.S. City To Host Red Bull Cliff Diving
On Saturday, June 3, the Seaport district will host one of the season’s most extreme events. For the second year in a row, Boston will host the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. In fact, Boston is the only American city to be selected to host.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) will be the official site where 20 of the world’s best divers will compete. It’s the first stop on the tour, which also includes France, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina and New Zealand. The events are held from June to November.
Red Bull describes the event as one where “Divers execute incredible acrobatics from heights of more than 20 meters in the ultimate display of focus and skill.”
There will be 16 divers (8 female / 8 male) competing at each tour stop. In addition, wildcard divers will be selected to represent their country at each location as well. In total, 12 women and 12 men compete at every event. The women launch from a platform of 21 meters high, and the men from 27 meters. They are judged individually by a panel that looks for the creativity and acrobatics displayed in each dive. At the end of every season, a champion is awarded the “King Kahekili” trophy, as well as a winner’s prize fund.
What is Red Bull Cliff Diving?
As Red Bull describes it, “Free-falling from up to 27m combined with awe-inducing acrobatics.” The sport itself originated hundreds of years ago in Hawaii. King Kahekili, after whom the champion’s trophy is now named, was a Hawaiian chief who first leapt from the holy cliffs of Kaunolo in the 1700s. Today, each competition under Red Bull rules takes place over two days. Judges rate each diver. The winner is determined by who has the highest point total at the end.
Boston
There are some Boston date specifics to be aware of. The event is free but with a capacity limit. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot. There will be a giant jumbotron onsite for viewing. Furthermore, there will be live music, interviews, and additional entertainment during the competition. The Boston Harbor waterways are regulated during this time. Though there appear to be some viewpoints, boats are not allowed within the designated marina. Finally, Red Bull does provide drinks and snacks for purchase. The event is rain or shine unless there is thunder, lightning, or high winds. So, mark your calendars for June 3 and head down to the Seaport’s ICA on Northern Avenue.
