Foxborough, M.A. (NCC News) – Lacrosse has been a part of New York’s history dating back to the 12th century. In New York and along the Canadian border, the Haudenosaunee played the medicine game, a gift from the Creator.
While the game has existed for centuries, it’s over the past two decades that the sport has started to see an increase in participation and fans. According to USA Lacrosse, there has been a 20% increase in youth players over the past 12 years.
“I love how the sport brings all different types of people together, and they can all just do something they enjoy,” said youth lacrosse player Brady Wein.
Championship weekend draws record crowds
Many fans made the trip to Gillette Stadium for championship weekend, and for Central New York, Cornell was representing the lacrosse hotbed that is New York. The men’s championship game drew 32,512 fans, and the women’s had 14,423—breaking the previous attendance record from 2017.
“As a women’s player in 2005, to go from 32 people in the stands to now. We were here yesterday for the women’s game for a record-breaking attendance,” said 2005 Quinnipiac University lacrosse graduate Christy Morley. “That was amazing, especially for my daughter, you to see the growth of the women’s game.”
A CNY win helps fuel the future
This was a monumental win for the growth of the sport and for Central New York, as Cornell brought back a championship title for the first time since 1977. The last time a CNY team won was Syracuse University in 2009.
“To grow the game, I mean, you see that crowd, you see that support, you know,” said Cornell attackman C.J. Kirst. “We competed for a full 60 minutes because of everyone there.”
As New York and the East Coast continue to lead the way in growing the game, the passion and sense of community surrounding this historic win demonstrate that moments like these continue to raise the popularity of the game.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Lacrosse grows nationwide, but its roots run deep in Central New York
Jill Schumacher: Welcome to NCC News, sports. I’m Jill Schumacher. Lacrosse is set to make a return to the Olympics in 2028. And after championship weekend, breaking attendance records, it’s clear the sport is on the rise. Lacrosse, also known as the fastest game on two feet, has seen growth in both participation and attendance over the years. According to USA Lacrosse, there has been a 20% increase in youth players over the last 12 years. That growth was on full display during championship weekend at Gillette Stadium, where fans showed up in record numbers to support the sport.
Lacrosse fan in attendance: It’s really inclusive and welcoming.
Lacrosse fan in attendance: It’s great to reconnect with everyone. The energy here is amazing.
Lacrosse fan in attendance: Just showing him how great these kids are playing lacrosse.
Lacrosse fan in attendance: We were here yesterday for the women’s game for the record-breaking attendance, so that was amazing, especially for my daughter.
Schumacher: While lacrosse is one of the oldest sports in North America, created by the Haudenosaunee. It has only been in the past two decades that its popularity has truly begun to skyrocket.
Lacrosse fans in attendance: Watching the games and seeing everyone excited.
Lacrosse fan in attendance: We all love lacrosse here.
Schumacher: Who do you want to win?
Lacrosse fan in attendance: The red team.
Schumacher: The men’s championship between Cornell and Maryland drew a crowd of over 32,000 fans. Cornell bringing back the championship trophy to Central New York, a region deeply rooted in lacrosse tradition, is a significant moment as the game continues to expand, as New York and the East Coast remain the hotbeds of lacrosse. The passion and sense of community on display make it clear that record-setting moments like these will continue to grow the game. This was not only a monumental win for the sport, but as expansion continues to grow on the professional level and on the world stage, it is clear that lacrosse is continuing to surge. That does it all for sports. I’m Jill Schumacher. Back to you guys.