Grand Park was busy on Saturday with one of the biggest lacrosse events in the country.
NXT Sports, a Philadelphia-based lacrosse company, is hosting two tournaments at the facility this weekend. Youth players are competing in The Grail, while high school age players are participating in the Mid-America Invitational. Over 260 teams are competing in both events.
“We run events and we also do educational club teams and clinics and camps,” said Kate Henwood, Executive Vice President of Girls Lacrosse at NXT Sports. “This specific event is one of our largest throughout the year. I think we’re setting a record today for the total amount of fields in use.”
Henwood estimated that around 60 fields are being used for the event. There were even some games being played inside the Grand Park Events Center. Tournament action took place all day Saturday, and lasts until 7:30 p.m. today.
On Friday, NXT Sports hosted the boys Mid-America Showcase, which featured 80 players. College coaches also participated in the Showcase, and were also out in force on Saturday to watch the games.
“A lot of the Midwest colleges like to come here specifically, but we have colleges from both men’s and women’s D-I, D-II and D-III on site today recruiting the high school players,” said Henwood. “So it’s a great environment for them to play in front of college coaches and get a really great experience with so many other fields going on around them.”
Teams from all over the country are participating, along with a handful of local teams as well. Henwood estimated that at one point during the weekend, around 30,000 people were on the Grand Park site.
Each team is playing three pool games in a division that matches its age and skill level. They will be seeded based on their performance in pool play today, then go right into the playoff, competing for championships.
The public is invited to attend games. Admission and parking are both free. There are vendors on site selling all types of lacrosse merchandise, and the concession stands are open as well.
“Everything, just enjoying the experience is completely free,” said Henwood.
Team Wisconsin (white) battled with Prime Time Pride from Grand Rapids, Mich. (blue) during a game at the Mid-America Invitational, one of two lacrosse tournaments being hosted by NXT Sports at Grand Park this weekend. Play continues today with the conclusion of pool play, followed by the playoff and championship games. (Richie Hall)