#Kurt Hunzeker
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TinCaps to feature Marvel-designed logo in 2023
New Post has been published on https://aroundfortwayne.com/news/2022/10/12/tincaps-to-feature-marvel-designed-logo-in-2023/
TinCaps to feature Marvel-designed logo in 2023
The Fort Wayne TinCaps will feature a logo designed by Marvel’s legendary illustrators thanks to a collaboration between Minor League Baseball and Marvel Entertainment, for select games in 2023.
#Brian Crosby#Fort Wayne Indiana#Fort Wayne TinCaps Baseball#Johnny TinCap#Kurt Hunzeker#Marvel Entertainment#Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond#Michael Limmer#MiLB Minor League Baseball#New Era TinCaps-Marvel hat#New York Comic Con#Parkview Field#The Orchard Team Store
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AXIA Time joins the expanding NLL partner roster as the 'Official Timepiece of the NLL'
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) today announced a new, multi-year partnership with AXIA Time as the “Official Timepiece of the NLL” and the presenting partner of the upcoming 2024 NLL Finals presented by AXIA Time that starts this Friday between the defending NLL champion Buffalo Bandits and the Albany FireWolves.
AXIA (pronounced ahx-EE-ah) Time creates heirloom-quality timepiece to commemorate life’s biggest moments. AXIA has been rapidly expanding its portfolio of partners and events. Notable recent projects include ultra-custom timepiece for the University of Michigan’s college football national championship and the University of Connecticut’s men’s basketball back-to-back national championship. Last week, AXIA Time unveiled its new collaboration with Zach Edey, Purdue University, and the Naismith Awards – commemorating Edey’s back-to-back Player of the Year honors.
“Storytelling is vital to the NLL as we advance towards our goal of becoming ‘The Next Major League’ in North America,” said Kurt Hunzeker, NLL Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations. “The biggest and best story of any NLL season centers on celebrating championship teams, and AXIA Time specializes in celebrating life’s biggest achievements and memorializing them in remarkable timepieces that tell so much more than time.”
“We wanted to create a premium item that players, coaches, and fans would appreciate and want to wear to remind them of one of the best times in their lives, and AXIA Time is the perfect partner to bring our vision to life,” Hunzeker said.
“As a life-long lacrosse person, it’s an honor to be partnering with the NLL to create ultra-custom, heirloom-quality timepieces for their fans, players, and partners,” said John Kanaras, AXIA Time founder. “The NLL is making great progress toward creating the next major sports league, and that aligns with our vision to make AXIA Time the next great watch brand in the U.S.”
The 2024 NLL Finals presented by AXIA Time begin Friday, May 17, 7 p.m. ET at MVP Arena in Albany before the series shifts to Buffalo’s KeyBank Center on Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
All 2024 NLL Finals presented by AXIA Time games will be televised live on TSN and on the TSN+ streaming service in Canada, and available live via ESPN+ in the U.S.
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How the XFL came crashing down, and what its collapse means for the future of spring football
How the XFL came crashing down, and what its collapse means for the future of spring football
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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in June 2020. A group including actor and former WWE star Dwayne Johnson has agreed to purchase the XFL for approximately $15 million, according to a news release issued Monday morning.
April 10 was payday at the XFL. Kurt Hunzeker hadn’t slept. As the St. Louis BattleHawks’ president, his job was to shepherd the team into a presumptive…
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The inside story of the XFL's sudden collapse, and what comes next for spring football
The inside story of the XFL’s sudden collapse, and what comes next for spring football
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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in June 2020. A group including actor and former WWE star Dwayne Johnson has agreed to purchase the XFL for approximately $15 million, according to a news release issued Monday morning.
April 10 was payday at the XFL. Kurt Hunzeker hadn’t slept. As the St. Louis BattleHawks’ president, his job was to shepherd the team into a presumptive…
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#commentary#daily#Dallas Renegades#DC Defenders#Houston Roughnecks#Los Angeles Wildcats#New York Guardians#NFL#Seattle Dragons#St. Louis BattleHawks#Tampa Bay Vipers#xfl
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🔥BattleHawks draw another big TV rating as well as record crowd🔥
BattleHawks draw another big TV rating as well as record crowd
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BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta’amu salutes fans as he leaves the field after the first XFL game in St. Louis, a 29-9 victory for the team over the New York Guardians on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 in The Dome at America’s Center. (David Carson, [email protected])
Michael Beran poses for pictures with “Kitty Hawk”, a Harris hawk he has trained, as he walks through a crowd of tailgaters before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
Michael Beran holds “Kitty Hawk”, a Harris hawk he has trained, as Tony Helem, from St. Louis, grabs a selfie with the bird in the tailgating area outside the stadium before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
Michael Beran, left, holds “Kitty Hawk”, a Harris hawk he has trained, for tailgaters Tammy Hood, Sophia Panopoulos, center, and Joey Kosulan, right, to pat as Beran walks through the crowd before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
Kurt Hunzeker, team President of the St. Louis BattleHawks, high fives fans during a rally before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
John Ross, left, Jimmy Jackson, Kellen Hilton, and Dan Masterson shotgun beers as they tailgate before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
Kurt Hunzeker, team President of the St. Louis BattleHawks, walks through a line of fans during a rally before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
“Ka-Kaw” cries Mike Johnson to St. Louis BattleHawks players walking into the stadium during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. “I put this together myself, my daughter helped me” said Johnson about his outfit. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
St. Louis BattleHawks fans cheer for the team as the players walk into the stadium before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
Joshua Headley, left, greets St. Louis BattleHawks players walking into The Dome at America?s Center before the BattleHawks first ever game in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
Brian Criscione, from Maryland Heights, throws a ball with friends as tailgate before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
Friends Scott Piedmont, left, and Jeff Garcia, from St. Louis County, celebrate a St. Louis BattleHawks extra points conversion after a touchdown in the third quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020.”We went to a lot of Rams games, and we wanted to show support for the BattleHawks. Kroenke took football away from St. Louis” said Garcia who had the Kroenke clown nose tee shirts made for he and his friends. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
“Ka-Kaw!!” call out Eric Pitlyk, left, and his brother Brad Pitlyk as they tailgate outside the Dome before the St. Louis BattleHawks first ever game on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. The feathered outfits were made by their sister Megan Pitlyk. “We were Rams season tickets holders and now very happy the BattleHawks are in town.” said Brad Pitlyk. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
St. Louis BattleHawks fans cheer for the team as the walk through a crowd of fan into the stadium before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
Oliver Luck, the CEO and Commissioner of the XFL, watches the action from the sidelines in the first quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
(From left in gray shirts) Joe Causino, Scott Piedmont, and Jeff Garcia celebrate a St. Louis BattleHawks’ play during the XFL game against the New York Guardians at The Dome at America’s Center on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Garcia had the Stan Kroenke clown-nose T-shirts made for the group from St. Louis County. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
St. Louis BattleHawks safety Dexter McCoil (26) is greeted by a crowd of fans as he and his teammates walk from the buses to The Dome at America’s Center before the BattleHawks’ first game in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
St. Louis BattleHawks head coach Jonathan Hayes coaches from the sidelines during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
New York Guardians running back Darius Victor, left, is tackled by St. Louis BattleHawks safety Dexter McCoil Sr. during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
St. Louis BattleHawks wide receiver Marcus Lucas (85) tries to avoid New York Guardians safety Andrew Soroh (30) after a catch in the fourth quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
New York Guardians linebacker Ryan Mueller, left, reaches for St. Louis BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta’Amu on a pass rush in the second quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
New York Guardians linebacker D’Juan Hines makes a tackle on St. Louis BattleHawks running back Lenard Tillery in the fourth quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
St. Louisans continue to quench their football thirst, after being parched for more than four years. The BattleHawks were a big hit for those watching at home as well as fans attending their game Sunday afternoon.The first pro football game in St. Louis since December 2015, when the NFL’s Rams played their last home game before jilting the city, drew nearly 30,000 fans. That was the biggest crowd thus far in the current version of the XFL, which is back in business after a failed try in 2001.Television viewership followed suit. According to Nielsen, which tabulates viewership, 8% of homes in the market with a TV watched ESPN’s telecast of the game, in which the BattleHawks pounded New York 29-9. That translates into about 88,000 area residences tuning in to the telecast. In contrast the Houston-Tampa Bay contest, on ABC, drew a 3.5 rating in Houston and a 3.3 figure in Tampa-St. Petersburg. Ratings weren’t immediately available for the weekend’s two XFL games shown on Fox outlets.This lofty viewership in St. Louis came despite the fact that ESPN customers missed not only the much-hyped introduction to the telecast, when fans were at a frenzy for the team’s home debut, but also the BattleHawks’ first drive. And first home touchdown. That’s because ESPN was showing the conclusion of a college basketball game that ran long, and moved the B-Hawks’ start to ESPNews and had it on its app — both entities that many viewers do not have. (More on this in the “Media Views” column in Friday’s Post-Dispatch.)Overall, the BattleHawks’ three games to date have averaged a 6.9 rating.By comparison, the Cardinals averaged a 6.6 rating last season for their games shown on Fox Sports Midwest, and the Blues were at a 3.7. But for perspective, there are many more Cards and Blues games televised, making many individual telecasts less appealing that a novel football game. Plus, many of the local baseball and hockey teams’ contests are played at less advantageous times than the late weekend afternoon slots in which the BattleHawks have been.
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Joshua Headley, from St. Louis, cheers outside the Dome before the St. Louis BattleHawks first ever game on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks safety Dexter McCoil (26) is greeted by a crowd of fans as he and his teammates walk from the buses to The Dome at America’s Center before the BattleHawks’ first game in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Eric Pitlyk, left, shotguns a beer as his brother Brad Pitlyk, center, cries out “Ka-kaw” while they tailgate outside the Dome before the St. Louis BattleHawks first-ever home game on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. The feathered outfits were made by their sister Megan Pitlyk. “We were Rams season tickets holders and now very happy the BattleHawks are in town.” said Brad Pitlyk. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Former St. Louis Ram Torry Holt laughs as he talks with friends on the sideline before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
The St. Louis BattleHawks take the field to the cheers of the crowd before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks safety Joe Powell breaks free as he runs 84 yards on a kickoff return for a touchdown during the XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks in The Dome at America’s Center on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
The St. Louis BattleHawks and the New York Guardians play during an XFL game at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. The BattleHawks drew 29,554 fans to their first home game, filling the lower bowl of the stadium. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Oliver Luck, the CEO and Commissioner of the XFL, watches the action from the sidelines in the first quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
(From left in gray shirts) Joe Causino, Scott Piedmont, and Jeff Garcia celebrate a St. Louis BattleHawks’ play during the XFL game against the New York Guardians at The Dome at America’s Center on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Garcia had the Stan Kroenke clown-nose T-shirts made for the group from St. Louis County. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks players Harold Jones-Quartey, left, Shaq Jones, center, and Dewayne Hendrix celebrate after Jones recovered a blocked punt during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks kicker Taylor Russolino boots a 58 yard field goal in the third quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Joshua Headley, from St. Louis, cheers outside the Dome before the St. Louis BattleHawks first-ever home game on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta’Amu throws the ball outbounds to avoid pressure by New York Guardians linebacker Ryan Mueller during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks running back Matt Jones, left, makes a run in the first quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks safety Kenny Robinson, center, is surrounded by teammates after making an interception during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks fans cheer during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
New York Guardians running back Tim Cook III blocks St. Louis BattleHawks defensive tackle Channing Ward (95) as New York Guardians quarterback Marquise Williams (12) escapes the pressuring in the third quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks running back Matt Jones, right, makes a run in the first quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Players run down the field on a punt during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks fans hold up a “Ka-Kaw” sign during introductions before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks special teams player Carlton Agudosi, 14, blocks a punt by New York Guardians punter Justin Vogel during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks defensive end Shaq Jones recovers a block punt and runs downfield during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks safety Kenny Robinson pulls in an interception as New York Guardians running back Justin Stockton can’t make the catch on a high pass during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
The St. Louis BattleHawks and the New York Guardians play during an XFL game at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. The BattleHawks drew 29, 554 fans to their first home game, filling the lower bowl of the stadium. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks safety Joe Powell, left, is congratulated by his teammates after he outran the kickoff coverage for a touchdown on a reverse during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta’Amu, center, scrambles in the pocket in the fourth quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta’Amu stiff arms New York Guardians linebacker Ryan Mueller as he throws the ball away to avoid the sack in the fourth quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
New York Guardians quarterback Matt McGloin drops back to pass during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Former St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt signs autographs for BattleHawks fans before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Michael Beran poses for pictures with “Kitty Hawk”, a Harris hawk he has trained, as he walks through a crowd of tailgaters before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Michael Beran holds “Kitty Hawk”, a Harris hawk he has trained, as Tony Helem, from St. Louis, grabs a selfie with the bird in the tailgating area outside the stadium before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Michael Beran, left, holds “Kitty Hawk”, a Harris hawk he has trained, for tailgaters Tammy Hood, Sophia Panopoulos, center, and Joey Kosulan, right, to pat as Beran walks through the crowd before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Kurt Hunzeker, team President of the St. Louis BattleHawks, high fives fans during a rally before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
John Ross, left, Jimmy Jackson, Kellen Hilton, and Dan Masterson shotgun beers as they tailgate before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Kurt Hunzeker, team President of the St. Louis BattleHawks, walks through a line of fans during a rally before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
“Ka-Kaw” cries Mike Johnson to St. Louis BattleHawks players walking into the stadium during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. “I put this together myself, my daughter helped me” said Johnson about his outfit. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks fans cheer for the team as the players walk into the stadium before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Joshua Headley, left, greets St. Louis BattleHawks players walking into The Dome at America?s Center before the BattleHawks first ever game in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Brian Criscione, from Maryland Heights, throws a ball with friends as tailgate before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
Friends Scott Piedmont, left, and Jeff Garcia, from St. Louis County, celebrate a St. Louis BattleHawks extra points conversion after a touchdown in the third quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020.”We went to a lot of Rams games, and we wanted to show support for the BattleHawks. Kroenke took football away from St. Louis” said Garcia who had the Kroenke clown nose tee shirts made for he and his friends. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
“Ka-Kaw!!” call out Eric Pitlyk, left, and his brother Brad Pitlyk as they tailgate outside the Dome before the St. Louis BattleHawks first ever game on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. The feathered outfits were made by their sister Megan Pitlyk. “We were Rams season tickets holders and now very happy the BattleHawks are in town.” said Brad Pitlyk. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks fans cheer for the team as the walk through a crowd of fan into the stadium before an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks head coach Jonathan Hayes coaches from the sidelines during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
New York Guardians running back Darius Victor, left, is tackled by St. Louis BattleHawks safety Dexter McCoil Sr. during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks wide receiver Marcus Lucas (85) tries to avoid New York Guardians safety Andrew Soroh (30) after a catch in the fourth quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
New York Guardians linebacker Ryan Mueller, left, reaches for St. Louis BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta’Amu on a pass rush in the second quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
New York Guardians linebacker D’Juan Hines makes a tackle on St. Louis BattleHawks running back Lenard Tillery in the fourth quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta’Amu (10) throws a pass in the fourth quarter during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
St. Louis BattleHawks head coach Jonathan Hayes coaches from the sidelines during an XFL game between the New York Guardians and the St. Louis BattleHawks at The Dome at America?s Center in St. Louis on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo by David Carson, [email protected]
David Carson
BattleHawks first game in St. Louis
BattleHawks quarterback Jordan Ta’amu salutes fans as he leaves the field after the first XFL game in St. Louis, a 29-9 victory for the team over the New York Guardians on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 in The Dome at America’s Center. (David Carson, [email protected])
David Carson
BattleHawks arrive at dome in St. Louis
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Inside the XFL’s fall: Did COVID-19 truly destroy the league, and can XFL 3.0 really happen?
Inside the XFL’s fall: Did COVID-19 truly destroy the league, and can XFL 3.0 really happen?
Editor’s note: This story was originally published in June 2020. A group including actor and former WWE star Dwayne Johnson has agreed to purchase the XFL for approximately $15 million, according to a news release issued Monday morning.
April 10 was payday at the XFL. Kurt Hunzeker hadn’t slept. As the St. Louis BattleHawks’ president, his job was to shepherd the team into a presumptive 2021…
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#commentary#daily#Dallas Renegades#DC Defenders#Houston Roughnecks#Los Angeles Wildcats#New York Guardians#NFL#Seattle Dragons#St. Louis BattleHawks#Tampa Bay Vipers#xfl
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NLL Welcomes Tampa General Hospital as the First NLL UnBOXed Lacrosse Community Presenting Partner
A few months after launching its innovative continent-wide grassroots initiative, NLL UnBOXed™, the National Lacrosse League today announced its first local market, multi-year presenting partnership as Tampa General Hospital (TGH) will join the League to bring the NLL’s fast-paced lacrosse game play to more young boys and girls throughout the Tampa Bay area.
The “Tampa Bay Snowbirds™ presented by Tampa General Hospital” will begin the initial phase of NLL UnBOXed activations this year, with the League providing Snowbirds and TGH-branded lacrosse equipment to participating Tampa Bay-area elementary and middle schools for use in physical education classes for all students.
“A primary goal for NLL UnBOXed always centered on partnering with influential local leaders and community-driven companies to help us introduce and foster a new love of NLL-style, fast-paced lacrosse to young boys and girls across North America,” said Kurt Hunzeker, NLL Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations. “We are thrilled to begin this exciting journey with our friends at Tampa General Hospital and bring the Tampa Bay Snowbirds to life in Bay Area schools starting this fall.”
While the first wave of Tampa Bay-area schools who registered to bring NLL UnBOXed to their students will be announced in the coming weeks, any elementary and middle school administrators, athletic directors, and/or physical education teachers can request to become an inaugural participating school by registering at NLL.com/UnBOXed.
"Tampa General Hospital is committed to promoting health and wellness in our community to prevent illness and chronic health conditions," said Kim Christine, administrator of community health and wellness at Tampa General Hospital. "This partnership not only helps us connect youth to the growing game of lacrosse, it allows us to invest in creating a healthier Tampa Bay."
Tampa Bay joined seven other North American markets in the League’s inaugural class of “NLL UnBOXed Lacrosse Communities” unveiled in November 2023. To illustrate its commitment to growing box lacrosse participation and skill development across Canada and the United States, the NLL created community-relevant team names and bold brand identities for each of the nine markets: Baltimore Ghost Crabs™, Charlotte Cobras™, Minnesota Lake Dragons™, Montréal Castors™, Seattle Shipwrecks™, St. Louis Howlers™, Tampa Bay Snowbirds™ presented by Tampa General Hospital, and Utah Spikes™.
NLL UnBOXed will drive the expansion of the League’s current multi-national activation footprint to include approximately 60 North American communities by the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles when sixes lacrosse, similar to the NLL’s 6-on-6 box lacrosse game play style, returns as a medal sport for the first time since 1908.
Officially licensed NLL UnBOXed merchandise, including a wide selection of Snowbirds’ apparel and collectibles, will debut later this year with exclusive reveals all summer via the League’s social media channels.
The 2023-24 NLL regular season wraps up this week before the 2024 NLL Playoffs begin on Friday, April 26.
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National Lacrosse League and Marvel Team up to Promote Lacrosse’s Legendary Origin Story
To close out this year’s Native American Heritage Month, the National Lacrosse League unveiled a new, multi-year program with storytelling giant Marvel, focused on honoring and popularizing lacrosse’s Indigenous origin story with game-specific promotions starting in the upcoming 2023-24 NLL season.
The central theme of the collaboration, the history of lacrosse, will be at the core of a custom comic book written by Paul Allor, in close collaboration with the NLL’s Indigenous consultants, drawn by Indigenous creator Shaun Beyale, and a cover by JL Giles.
“With NLL-style sixes lacrosse enjoying heightened global momentum with the IOC’s recent vote to add the sport to the upcoming LA28 Summer Olympic games, the NLL wanted to celebrate lacrosse’s fabled beginnings with our rapidly expanding worldwide fan base,” said Kurt Hunzeker, the NLL’s Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations. “Great stories are the heartbeat of the Marvel Universe, and the NLL is honored to work with Marvel to bring the legend of North America’s original pastime to life.”
The custom comic book will only be available at designated Marvel Super Hero™ themed games every NLL team will host each year of the program. The same core story will be offered in each market, and Marvel will produce variant covers featuring star players from every NLL team that will be given out at their respective games.
The collaboration was facilitated by AthLife, Inc., Marvel’s longtime sports-centric agency of record.
In addition to the comic book premium distribution, each NLL team will wear special edition Marvel Super Hero-inspired jerseys on floor during its designated game. NLL fans can expect more Marvel-themed activations throughout the year.
Each NLL team has designated its Marvel Super Hero theme night for the upcoming 2023-24 season:
Albany FireWolves: Saturday, March 2, 2024, 7pm ET, vs. New York
Buffalo Bandits: Friday, March 8, 2024, 7:30pm ET, vs. Saskatchewan
Calgary Roughnecks: Friday, March 22, 2024, 7pm MT, vs. Albany
Colorado Mammoth: Saturday, March 2, 2024, 7pm MT, vs. Saskatchewan
Georgia Swarm: Friday, April 19, 2024, 7:30pm ET, vs. Rochester
Halifax Thunderbirds: Friday, February 16, 2024, 7:30pm AT, vs. Buffalo
Las Vegas Desert Dogs: Saturday, April 13, 2024, 7pm PT, vs. Colorado
New York Riptide: Saturday, February 10, 2024, 7:30pm ET, vs. San Diego
Panther City Lacrosse Club: Sunday, March 3, 2024, 3pm CT, vs. Rochester
Philadelphia Wings: Saturday, March 2, 2024, 1pm ET, vs. Calgary
Rochester Knighthawks: Sunday, April 21, 2024, 3pm ET, vs. Philadelphia
San Diego Seals: Friday, February 23, 2024, 7pm ET, vs. Georgia
Saskatchewan Rush: Saturday, February 24, 2024, 7pm CT, vs. Halifax
Toronto Rock: Saturday, March 23, 2024, 7pm ET, vs. Halifax
Vancouver Warriors: Saturday, February 10, 2024, 7pm PT, vs. Saskatchewan
The 2023-24 NLL season will commence with NLL Faceoff Weekend tomorrow with a “NLL Game of the Week” doubleheader on TSN in Canada as Saskatchewan travels to Halifax at 7pm ET and Panther City opens up in Vancouver at 10pm ET. ESPN2 will carry the first “NLL Saturday Night Showcase” this weekend with Philadelphia battling New York starting at 7:30pm ET.
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National Lacrosse League and StringKing Expand Strategic Partnership with Multi-year Renewal
The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today announced that StringKing (@StringKing), has extended its partnership as an official lacrosse equipment supplier for the next three years. The renewal designates StringKing as a non-exclusive “Continental Partner” and “Official Equipment Provider” for the NLL.
“As the NLL continues to innovate its energetic game play, challenge the status quo, and lead the lacrosse industry towards the sport’s inclusion in the upcoming LA28 Summer Olympics, we want to strengthen our bonds with like-minded partners, and StringKing checks every box,” said Kurt Hunzeker, NLL Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations.
“This renewal represents a deeper commitment from both organizations to collaborate and provide the NLL’s elite players with premium lacrosse heads, shafts, and mesh kits they need to perform at a world-class level, while also exploring new opportunities to grow the sport with young boys and girls in communities across North America,” Hunzeker said.
StringKing is excited to partner with the best players in the world and have them use the brand’s top equipment. Players will be using StringKing’s Mark 2 family of heads, Type 5 mesh, and Metal 3 Pro and Composite 2 Pro Shafts. This partnership allows StringKing to get direct feedback from NLL players which is used in their product development for future products.
“The National Lacrosse League is a vital partner for our business, and we are proud to continue our partnership well into the future,” said Jake McCampbell, StringKing CEO. “The work the NLL does to reach both new audiences and the core lacrosse fans not just in-season but year-round is essential to the growth of our game, and we look forward to working with the teams, coaches and most importantly the athletes, to keep growing and improving all we do together.”
StringKing is a manufacturer of high-performance sports equipment. StringKing’s lacrosse products are recognized as some of the best in the game. They have gained the trust of top players because of the power, control, and consistency their products provide. StringKing will be supplying NLL teams with heads, shafts, and mesh for their sticks.
The 2023-24 NLL season will commence with NLL Faceoff Weekend the first weekend of December.
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National Lacrosse League unveils NLL UnBOXed youth-focused grassroots initiative across North America
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) today announced the launch of NLL UnBOXed™, the League’s new continent-wide grassroots campaign designed to bring the NLL’s fast-paced lacrosse game to more young boys and girls in more communities across North America.
The NLL will expand its multi-national activation footprint to include approximately 60 North American communities by the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles when sixes lacrosse, similar to the NLL’s 6-on-6 box lacrosse game play style, returns as a medal sport for the first time since 1908.
“NLL UnBOXed is an innovative approach to introducing and fostering the love of box lacrosse’s unique style of play among young boys and girls across North America,” said Kurt Hunzeker, NLL Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations. “With NLL-style sixes lacrosse coming to the LA28 Summer Olympics, it is imperative that the League leads by example and establishes NLL UnBOXed to create meaningful connections with more communities from coast to coast.”
Nine new “NLL UnBOXed Lacrosse Communities” will join the 15 existing NLL teams for the 2024 launch of the multi-tiered campaign: Baltimore, Charlotte, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Montréal, Ottawa, Salt Lake City, Seattle, St. Louis, and the Tampa Bay area.
The NLL will practice innovation and unique activation when engaging these non-franchise markets and grassroots participants, by creating community-relevant “team names” and brand identities to illustrate the League’s commitment to growing box lacrosse across Canada and the United States.
The first of the new NLL UnBOXed Lacrosse Communities’ brand identities will be unveiled today at 1pm ET, beginning the week-long rollout of the NLL’s nine new activation markets across the NLL’s social channels.
The next phase of the initiative begins in 2024 with the start of “NLL UnBOXed At School™,” a physical education-centric lacrosse curriculum created by NLL Hall of Fame inductee Casey Powell and based on the successful SPEED Lacrosse® platform Powell developed after he retired from the NLL.
“I am thrilled to be a part of NLL UnBOXed At School,” Powell said. “The SPEED Lacrosse curriculum will not only introduce lacrosse to young students across North America but also provide them with a pathway towards a lifetime of enjoying the sport. I myself was introduced to lacrosse in my gym class, and SPEED Lacrosse offers the perfect format to sample the game, play it at its fundamental level, and accelerate the NLL grassroots initiative.”
Built specifically for elementary and middle schools, NLL UnBOXed At School also includes a lacrosse equipment endowment program as the NLL and its partners will provide an assortment of sticks, balls, and goals to participating schools’ physical education departments.
All elementary and middle school administrators, athletic directors, and/or physical education teachers can request to become an inaugural participating school by registering at NLL.com/UnBOXed.
"The NLL UnBOXed program offers greater opportunities for all players at any age and skill level to increase their competency at an accelerated rate in a fun and friendly environment,” said Brian Lemon, NLL Executive Vice President, Lacrosse Operations. “The SPEED Lacrosse curriculum incorporated into NLL UnBOXed provides an unrivaled foundation for players that transfers to all disciplines of our game. Players are going to love it."
NLL UnBOXed further solidifies the League’s commitment to growing youth participation, as last week the NLL joined other U.S.-based lacrosse properties to form Elevate28 with a focused mission to double lacrosse participation in the U.S. to 4 million annual players by the end of the decade.
The 2023-24 NLL season will commence with NLL Faceoff Weekend the first weekend of December.
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SlamBall Reveals Impressive Metrics For This Summer’s SlamBall League: Series 6 in Las Vegas
The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today unveiled a refreshed brand identity system detailing how the NLL league and team brand architecture operates, communicates, and interacts with various audiences.
The League’s updated branding includes a refined primary logo, stylized wordmark, and for the first time, a French language “Ligue Nationale de Lacrosse” family of marks.
“The refreshed NLL visual identity aligns with the League’s new strategic vision and centers our brand storytelling around authentic themes that tell our story perfectly,” said Kurt Hunzeker, the NLL’s Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations. “The updated brand look and feel not only captures our unique brand of box lacrosse but creates exciting opportunities for the League to break through and position the NLL as a major sports league in North America today.”
The updated logos and brand positioning framework coincide with the launch of the League’s new licensing initiative, NLL Authentics™.
“Centralizing our league and team branding under the NLL Authentics umbrella allows us to streamline merchandising potential, as well as helping our official partners connect with our fans and communities more efficiently,” Hunzeker said.
The NLL’s expanded portfolio of official licensees and new assortment of retail merchandise will launch in advance of the 2023-24 NLL season this December.
The new branding will be featured in two major upcoming events on the NLL calendar: the NLL Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Burlington, Ontario, on September 15, and the 2023 NLL Draft in Oakville, Ontario on September 16.
The 2023-24 season will commence with NLL Faceoff Weekend on December 1-2. The full schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
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National Lacrosse League Refreshes its Brand Logos and Introduces Its New NLL Authentics Initiative
The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today unveiled a refreshed brand identity system detailing how the NLL league and team brand architecture operates, communicates, and interacts with various audiences.
The League’s updated branding includes a refined primary logo, stylized wordmark, and for the first time, a French language “Ligue Nationale de Lacrosse” family of marks.
“The refreshed NLL visual identity aligns with the League’s new strategic vision and centers our brand storytelling around authentic themes that tell our story perfectly,” said Kurt Hunzeker, the NLL’s Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations. “The updated brand look and feel not only captures our unique brand of box lacrosse but creates exciting opportunities for the League to break through and position the NLL as a major sports league in North America today.”
The updated logos and brand positioning framework coincide with the launch of the League’s new licensing initiative, NLL Authentics™.
“Centralizing our league and team branding under the NLL Authentics umbrella allows us to streamline merchandising potential, as well as helping our official partners connect with our fans and communities more efficiently,” Hunzeker said.
The NLL’s expanded portfolio of official licensees and new assortment of retail merchandise will launch in advance of the 2023-24 NLL season this December.
The new branding will be featured in two major upcoming events on the NLL calendar: the NLL Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Burlington, Ontario, on September 15, and the 2023 NLL Draft in Oakville, Ontario on September 16.
The 2023-24 season will commence with NLL Faceoff Weekend on December 1-2. The full schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
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National Lacrosse League and FanCompass Announce Multi-Year Strategic Partnership
The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today announced a multi-year partnership with FanCompass to bring an upgraded and interactive user experience for NLL partners and fans everywhere.
“The partnership officially launches our digital transformation, as FanCompass will drive the league's ability to deliver best-in-class fan platforms and branded online experiences starting with the upcoming season,” said Kurt Hunzeker, the NLL’s Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations. “FanCompass will make it easier and more efficient for the NLL and its partners on every level to understand and customize our collective ties to the NLL’s youthful and digitally savvy fan base as we move to expand, accelerate, and amplify our fan engagement initiatives.”
“Kurt’s vision powered by the full support and backing from their ownership group understand the value and demand for a next-level digital fan experience and the data it provides,” said Jamie Pardi, FanCompass Co-Founder and CEO. “The NLL is making its mark on the industry with this digital transformation and we are excited to be a part of it.”
For more than a decade, FanCompass has been a leading provider of digital fan engagement solutions in the global sports industry. Its platform, FC CORE, offers a suite of digital tools for engaging fans, capturing valuable data, and generating digital sponsorship opportunities.
The NLL will roll out the FC CORE platform across the entire NLL portfolio of teams with a full-service league dashboard for customizable league-wide campaigns. FanCompass had previously been working with two NLL clubs, the Georgia Swarm and Rochester Knighthawks, and the successful work there helped lead to this league-wide partnership.
The NLL will hold its 2023 Draft on September 16 in Oakville, Ontario, and training camps will open the weekend of October 28-29. The 2023-24 season will commence with NLL Faceoff Weekend on December 1-2. The full schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
Colorado Mammoth Fans (credit - Isaiah J. Downing)
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National Lacrosse League Announces Four Strategic New Hires
The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today announced an expansion of its front office staff with the addition of four industry veterans to newly created full time positions.
Jenni Brozena joins as Director of Business Development, Ed Derse as Senior Vice President, Technology and Broadcast Operations, Scott Turken as Director and Executive Producer, Digital Content, and Scott Zolotorow, as Coordinating Producer, Broadcast Production.
“We welcome Jenni, Ed, Scott Turken, and Scott Zolotorow to the our dynamic front office, whose additions are a reflection of the growth of the NLL business, broadcast, and content divisions under Kurt Hunzeker and Joel Feld, respectively,” said NLL Commissioner Brett Frood. “Having just completed a season of record attendance and engagement in all areas of media, we are now poised to take another large step forward in the business of lacrosse, and we couldn’t have four better professionals to help us get there.”
Jenni Brozena joins the NLL from Sportradar where she served as the Director of Business Development spanning the North American continent and throughout Latin America. Brozena has also advised and mentored startup tech companies, helping lead them to capital investment wins and eventual exit sales to large, multi-national tech giants. The Pennsylvania native has a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University (PA) and a master’s from California University (PA).
Ed Derse is the new Senior Vice President, Technology and Broadcast Operations, and will lead efforts to discover and implement new technology platforms that evolve NLL’s product offerings while continuing to manage all broadcast technical operations. Derse has more than 30 years of experience in technology, broadcast production, and operations. He has served as Senior Vice President, Digital Media, and Strategic Partnerships at Universal Sports Network, and Managing Director of the Rugby Channel. For the past seven years, Derse has run his own consulting business and served the NLL as a consultant to the broadcast operations area since November 2020.
Scott Turken takes over as Director and Executive Producer, Digital Content, tasked with setting the strategic direction of the NLL’s digital content offerings, and leading a team of content creators and publishers who are responsible for producing all digital assets on the league’s social channels and NLL.com. Turken, a multiple National Sports Emmy Award winner, has spent more than 25 years in sports media, including 22 years at ESPN. Since the 2019-20 season, Turken has served the league directing and managing the game night highlights team as a consultant.
Scott Zolotorow is now the Coordinating Producer, Broadcast Production, charged with managing all facets of the NLL’s live game productions in partnership with the league media rights partners, ESPN and TSN. Zolotorow is an accomplished live sports producer, previously covering lacrosse, football, and basketball games for ESPN, CBS Sports Network, and the Big Ten Network. For the past two seasons, Zolotorow has served the league in a part time role.
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NLL Begins ‘The March to May’ as Teams Vie for Eight Playoff Spots in Season’s Final Weeks
With its teams battling for playoff berths and seeds in the remaining weeks of the regular season, “The March to May” is on in the National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the world’s largest and most successful professional lacrosse league. Every matchup down the stretch will influence the eight-team NLL Playoffs that begin May 5-7.
“The March to May” begins with every NLL team in action during an eight-game slate this weekend, including seven contests on Saturday. The new campaign will be incorporated across all NLL channels, including broadcasts, NLL.com, social networks, and in-venue by all teams to promote their remaining regular season contests and push towards the playoffs.
“’The March to May’ clearly defines how the run up to the NLL Playoffs is an exciting time for fans, players, teams, and league partners as we collectively march towards the postseason played through the month of May,” said Kurt Hunzeker, Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations. “The campaign easily communicates the importance of every game as teams pursue the ultimate prize, the NLL Championship.”
As previously announced, the 2023 NLL Playoffs format will again feature the top four teams from the East Conference and top three from the West Conference, plus a “wild card” entry with the best record between the fourth-place team in the West standings and the fifth-place finisher in the East. This “wild card” will play in the West Conference side of the bracket as the fourth seed. The unique qualifying format gives fans in nearly every NLL market a chance to earn a spot in the postseason tournament.
Last year, the final week of the regular season featured 32 possible playoff seeding and qualifying combinations, and the final NLL Playoffs bracket wasn’t settled until the final game of the regular season was completed.
The first round will be single elimination, while the East and West Conference Finals and NLL Finals will each be a best-of-three series. Game 1 and 2 of the NLL Finals will be played during Memorial Day Weekend, while Game 3 of the NLL Finals, if necessary, is scheduled for the weekend of June 2-4. The complete broadcast TSN and ESPN broadcast schedules will be announced at a later date.
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NLL Names Kurt Hunzeker Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations
The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today announced industry veteran Kurt Hunzeker has been named to the newly created position of Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations. Hunzeker brings more than 20 years of executive sales, marketing, and brand building to the NLL, most recently as Vice President, Minor League Business Operations for Major League Baseball. He will report directly to NLL Commissioner Brett Frood and will begin his work this week.
“The National Lacrosse League is enjoying a post-pandemic rebirth on and off the field, as evidenced by our rise in attendance and revenue, media exposure and the expansion of partnership programs by our teams,” Commissioner Frood said. “Kurt has the perfect blend of creative and practical business experience to help us capitalize on this next vital phase of enterprise growth. His experience with disruptive properties like the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks, and with emerging businesses like MiLB, provide the right mix to help shape and grow the NLL business and promotional platforms like never before.”
“I look at the NLL as a property that has exactly what brands and consumers want—fast paced excitement, great athletes, a growing fan base, a solid ownership structure, and great media partners in ESPN and TSN—and I am looking forward to helping the League realize its business and brand potential beyond what exists today,” Hunzeker said. “The industry has heard about the emerging growth of lacrosse as a sport, now it’s time for the NLL to push the narrative to an even wider audience, while continuing to engage and develop that stronger base of fans who have enjoyed the NLL for years.”
Hunzeker joins the NLL after overseeing all business-driving and revenue-generating functions of MLB’s restructured player development system and its 120 MiLB teams since 2021, including: national commercial sales and partnership activation, marketing and communications, content strategy and creation, media production and multimedia platforms, community relations and fan engagement, ticketing strategy, licensed consumer products, and ecommerce. He also authored the initial five-year business strategy and activation plan for MiLB’s new centralized business fully integrated within MLB, and generated the most commercial revenue in MiLB’s 122-year history in 2022.
It was Hunzeker’s second successful stint in baseball, having served as Vice President, Marketing Strategy and Research for Minor League Baseball from January 2015 to June 2019 where he built, enacted and measured the go-to-market corporate partnership and fan engagement strategies, focused on brand amplification, consumer acquisition, and unprecedented revenue growth for MiLB’s national commercial sales and marketing enterprise representing all 160 MiLB communities at the time. He led the creation of MiLB Copa de la Diversión™ (the “Fun Cup”), and designed and implemented MiLB’s 10-year strategic marketing plan in 2017, including its first-ever national campaign, MiLB It’s Fun to Be a Fan®, amplifying all 160 MiLB Clubs’ fan recruitment and engagement efforts.
Between his time at MiLB and MLB, Kurt was President of the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL, leading the team to landmark growth for the startup league before it was shut down due to the pandemic. The BattleHawks were the XFL’s leader in almost all business categories, surpassing all sales, social media and marketing goals by as much as 97% before the league shutdown. That success also included the signing of a record 12 Founding Partnerships, including national brands with deep, local market connections such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Centene and McDonald’s.
The St. Louis native and University of Missouri graduate was also Senior Director, Brand Marketing for the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company for four years before MiLB, where he managed the global brand marketing and media buying efforts for the iconic sports brand, focusing on creating engagement platforms targeting next-level players, coaches and parents to maximize brand awareness, drive purchase intent and generate revenues with high potential consumers worldwide.
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