As the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) continues to grow in popularity, finding the right venues to host key events is crucial for expanding the sport’s reach. From historic stadiums to rising lacrosse hotbeds, each city presents unique opportunities for the league to thrive and connect with local communities.
Portland, Oregon
With the growth of the “Portland Pipeline”, including PLL stars Ajax Zappitello, Sam Handley, Tucker Dordevic, Colin Squires and Ross Scott, the league would sell tickets in the “Rose City”.
The MLS Timbers play in Providence Park, a 25,000 seat stadium located in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland. Built in 1893, it’s one of the most historic grounds in the US. Lacrosse would fit well here.
Portland would be perfect for a neutral PLL weekend or All-Star Game.
New Jersey
Red Bull Arena is a 25,000-seat state-of-the-art facility located in Harrison, New Jersey and the home of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.
This venue would be an ideal host for an NCAA playoff weekend and a PLL event. Every seat is a great seat. Fans in the front row are just 21 feet from the action. This venue is far more fan friendly than NFL stadiums like Gillette or the Linc. Large video boards with LED displays, located in the north and south ends of the field, are 24-feet high by 55-feet wide. They feature a wide-angle view that makes them more easily visible no matter where fans are sitting in the stadium.
Washington DC
Audi Field has hosted lacrosse events and like Subaru Park outside of Philadelphia, is a perfectly proportioned venue. Maryland and Virginia men’s lacrosse played in this venue in 2022 and drew 10,480 fans. Why hasn’t lacrosse gone back? An NCAA quarterfinal pod would be great in this facility.
Audi Field is located in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is the home of the D.C. United. The stadium seats 20,000 fans and would be the best way for the PLL to increase its allure in the nations capital.
Austin, Texas
Dallas has been on the PLL schedule in the past, and while the Star is a world class host, fan support has not warranted a return. Austin is booming and a more likely landing spot if the league would pursue an event in the Lone Star State.
Built in 2019, Q2 Stadium is located in the North Burnet section of North Austin. It is the home of Austin FC and seats 20,000.
Lacrosse is rapidly growing in central Texas with high schools like Lake Travis, Westlake, Smithson Valley, Vista Ridge, St Andrew’s, Gateway and Hebron on the rise.
Both the PLL and college programs would be smart to mine this part of the lacrosse geography – Texas is in the infancy stages of what will be major growth.
Nashville, Tennessee
Music City would be an ideal spot for an All-Star Game. The PLL could either play at Geodis Park (30,00) or on the campus of Vanderbilt University in the football stadium. Food trucks and a music component would be mandatory for a swing through Nashvegas. 46 high schools in Tennessee currently have varsity lacrosse programs and that total could double within the next five years.
Detroit, Michigan
Midwest cities have never drawn well with Chicago being a perennial disappointment. The PLL’s foray into Minnesota has been a positive development, playing at the Vikings facility outside of Minneapolis.
Notre Dame and Michigan men’s collegiate success has energized the sport in the Midwest. Is the popularity strong enough to justify a PLL weekend in that region? What Midwest city can support a PLL event? Perhaps Detroit. The soccer team has purchased property and has plans to build a stadium by 2027. Is Ford Field, home of the Lions, a suitable host? The downtown indoor arena seats 65,000 and hosts the Lions, the MAC Football championship game and the Quick Lane Bowl game. Michigan now boasts 159 boys high school programs.
Los Angeles, California
The PLL’s move to San Diego was an exciting moment during the summer of 2024. Strong crowds, great enthusiasm and perfect weather combined for a successful weekend.
Can Los Angeles be added to the mix in advance of the 2028 Olympic Games? There are more than a handful of venues to choose from. The sport would benefit from World Lacrosse and PLL alignment to create awareness and energy ahead of Olympic Sixes.
Louisville has hosted the PLL All Star game weekend in 2023 and 2024. I would not go back in 2025. Instead, I would flirt with Cincinnati, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Hartford, Providence, Richmond, Columbus, Indianapolis, St Louis, Atlanta, Seattle, Boise, Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Francisco. Keep the ASG mobile while using it to simultaneously grow the game while also checking the temperature of potential new markets.
Where do YOU think the PLL should play in 2025?
Let us know on X or IG!
Quint Kessenich covers the PLL for ESPN and has traveled to 45 states in the name of lacrosse.
