The Crown Lacrosse Classic Features Three Top-five Teams This Weekend

The Crown Lacrosse Classic will now feature three top-five NCAA Division I lacrosse programs in No. 1 Towson, No. 2 Cornell and No. 4 Penn State at the Sportsplex at Matthews on March 8 and 10.

“We are extremely fortunate to have these quality of teams coming to Charlotte to help us grow this sport in the south even before the season starts,” The Crown Lacrosse Classic co-founder Chris Schiller said. “To have potentially three top five teams playing at the same location, that is a special treat for all of us. The level of lacrosse that will be on display during these two days of play will be like something that may not be around here again.”

Towson recently knocked off former No. 1 Loyola to improve to 4-0 on the season before leap frogging into the top spot in in all-three national polls for the first time in program history. Cornell defeated Albany 17-16 over the weekend, earning the No. 2 spot in the USILA Warrior/New Balance Division I Coaches’ Poll. Penn State moved up one spot after edging in-state rivals Penn 15-14.

The Crown Lacrosse Classic is the first independent college lacrosse tournament to be held in Charlotte, and will feature four of the nation’s premier programs – Cornell Big Red, Jacksonville Dolphins, Penn State State Nittany Lions and Towson Tigers.

“I think it is an awesome opportunity for everyone involved, especially for us to have the opportunity to go down and compete in a premier event with other top-caliber Division I teams,” Towson lacrosse head coach Shawn Nadelen said. “We are big believers in doing as much as we can to help the sport of lacrosse grow and develop.”

In addition to bringing high-level lacrosse to Charlotte, a portion of the proceeds and in-game fundraising events will benefit the first responders of the Carolinas.

“This also gives us an opportunity to thank our first responders who serve our communities every single day 24/7,” Schiller said. “I’ve seen it first hand how these men and woman dedicate their time/lives to answer the call when our community needs it. To put their life on the line literally to save ours, we are honored to be donating and actively raising money during The Crown for these amazing people.”

Tickets for the two days are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Schedule

March 8

4 – 5:30 p.m. – Mike Powell Concert Series at The Sportsplex at Matthews

5:30 p.m. – Jacksonville vs. #1 Towson

8 p.m. – #4 Penn State vs. #2 Cornell

March 9

9 – 10 a.m. – Greg “Beast “Gurenlian, Rob Pannell and Drew Adams VIP training session

10 – 11:30 a.m. – Greg “Beast “Gurenlian, Rob Pannell and Drew Adams clinics

5 p.m. – 2019 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft at the NASCAR Hall of Fame

9 – 11 p.m. – Mike Powell Concert Series at Blackfinn Ameripub in Ballantyne Village

March 10

11:30 – 1 p.m. – Mike Powell Concert Series at The Sportsplex at Matthews

1 p.m. – #2 Cornell vs. #1 Towson

3:30 p.m. – #4 Penn State vs. Jacksonville