As the 2013 MLL season enters the final four weeks, there will be a lot of stories developing. Will the Denver Outlaws run the table and go 16-0? Who will be the other three teams to clinch a trip to PPL Park for Championship weekend? Will the Rattlers play in 2014? If so, where? But one strong rumor that has been circulating is one of a team being reborn in the Philadelphia area.
In 2004 the Barrage relocated from Bridgeport CT.(2001-2003) to play at Villanova University. They proceeded to win the franchises first Championship. Then in 2005 they hired Tony Resch who does nothing but win. In his four seasons Resch compiled a 30-18 record, 2 Steinfeld Cups and 2 division titles. The team then folded just prior to the 2009 season.
This seasons Championship Weekend at PPL Park in Chester PA is the first time the Steinfeld Cup returns to the area since 2003 when it last hosted Championship Weekend, and is the perfect opportunity for lacrosse fans in the area to show the MLL how great it would be to have a team back in Philadelphia
PPL Park, which is home to the MSL Philadelphia Union would be an ideal place for a MLL franchise.
The location is right off Interstate 95 so fans from the Tri-State area (NJ, Del, PA) can get to it easily.
Stadium first opened on June 27, 2010, it seats 18,500 for soccer and 26,000 for concerts. In 2011 it hosted the Battle of the Blue, a football game that has Villanova facing University of Delaware. It will be the host for this game in 2013 as well.
So we need to ask ourselves, could a Philadelphia franchise succeed? With the sport growing in the Tri-State area, Championship Weekend and the location, the 2014 season could be a testing site to see how Philadelphia would embrace a MLL franchise.
During Championship Weekend (Aug 24-25) this will no doubt be a question asked to founder Jake Steinfeld. So lets come out in support of the game and show the MLL a franchise can succeed in Philadelphia.
The 2012-2013 MLL Drafts have been held here in Philadelphia, during the U.S. National Lacrosse Convention. The 2014 convention will return to Philadelphia and run from Jan 10-12 with the draft on Friday night Jan 10.
