Arena Lacrosse League pushed to 2012 start date, “… very confident that we will have teams from New York to Florida.” – Harvie

August 31st, 2010 by Paul Tutka

Arena Lacrosse League President & Commissioner Alan Harvie

It was back in late-June that Allan Harvie Jr. officially announced his plans for the Arena Lacrosse League, an indoor lacrosse based league that would operate as a non-profit organization with proceeds being donated to Harvie’s run virginians4haiti, a charity that, “assists with rebuilding of the homes, hearts and souls of the Haitian people who are in desperate need of such aid.”

Harvie initially announced that the unique league would operate within Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland, but stated today in a report in the Richmond Times Dispatch that, “I can say that we are very confident that we will have teams from New York to Florida,” Harvie offered. “As it stands we will start our first season with 7-8 teams but I would like to have 10.”

The Times Dispatch also reports that the league, which Harvie had previously hoped would begin play in February of 2011, will now have a kick-off date of January 2012, Harvie unable to confirm which cities are currently on deck for first-year participation. Harvie continued in the paper, “There are several reasons why we have changed the date to begin play.

“We have several great cities lined up as members for our inaugural year but each has one or more issues to resolve before they can announce their membership. For example, one arena needs boards and glass, another needs a carpet, and still another needs to finalize their lease. A common issue is the finalization of dates in each building. By waiting until January 2012, a far greater number of Friday and Saturday dates open up to us that will make scheduling much easier. It also assists the teams with selling season tickets and sponsorships by having more attractive dates.”

The ALL released its website several weeks back at www.arenalacrosseleague.com. The site features a photo of a football field with three field lacrosse players in Major League Lacrosse uniforms, including Casey Powell when he suited up for the Rochester Rattlers a number of summers back.

The foremost boxla writer, Tutka is a former NLL scout and a longtime Inside Lacrosse contributor. Email him at paul.tutka@nllinsider.com.

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