JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – College lacrosse returns to EverBank Field in the third Moe's Southwest Grill Classic men's lacrosse event scheduled for Feb. 17, 2013.
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As tickets went on sale for the Moe's Southwest Grill Classic Monday, JU Director of Athletics Brad Edwards led an eventful press conference at EverBank Field, site of the third Moe's event. He told the crowd partnership with the company and the city has been the key to JU's continued hosting of the get together.
"This would not be possible without those partnerships,'' Edwards said. "This has become a very important event for Jacksonville University athletics, the lacrosse community and the city. It will be another exciting event.''
Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown said not only will the in-game experience for fans be exciting, but he is looking forward to the city getting an abundance of television coverage for the two lacrosse games.
"We're estimating five and a half hours of TV coverage (NBC Sports Network) right here in our city and that's a good thing,'' he said. "That's one of the many benefits of hosting major sporting events.''
Penn State will take on Denver in the opening game at 2 p.m. followed by JU playing Ohio State in the biggest men's lacrosse event in the Southeast.
This year's event will also have a high school day on Mon., Feb. 18, when 18 high school teams are scheduled to play at EverBank throughout the day.
"We have a lot of lacrosse players in our area and the high school Monday is an important day,'' Brown said. "It's all about bring the city together and raising the city's pulse. The Dolphins are our partner and are making things happen.''
For the third year, Moe's is the title sponsor for the weekend which will include a lacrosse festival at the stadium as the participating teams practice Saturday.
"It doesn't get any better than this,'' said Brad Chasteen who is the franchise owner of the 12 area Moe's. "We've got lacrosse in Jacksonville and lacrosse is partnering with Moe's.'
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JU men's coach Guy Van Arsdale said the Moe's Southwest Grill Classic is among the best of all collegiate lacrosse events in the country.
"It is one of the five or six premier events,'' he said. "It is huge for us because it puts Jacksonville University on a national platform.''
Tickets are $21 for general admission and $16 for groups of 10 or more. They are available at the Veterans Memorial Arena box office or at ticketmaster.com.
The JU game also will be broadcast on 1010XL and 92.5 FM radio.