Professional lacrosse league with teams in Binghamton, Elmira cancels rest of season
The Professional Box Lacrosse Association, which launched in 2022 with new teams in Binghamton, Elmira and six other markets, is wrapping up its inaugural season about three months earlier than planned.
The association announced this week all remaining games across the league will be postponed as of Tuesday. Season ticket holders will be contacted and will receive a full refund for the duration of the season, league officials said.
The 2022-23 season kicked off in December and was scheduled to run through mid to late April, followed by playoffs.
The "difficult decision" to postpone the remainder of the season comes as the fledgling league works on a major reorganization, according to owner Carmen Kesner.
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“Our vision is to implement a fast, physical, safe, and exciting experience for our fans and players," Kesner said in a news release. "We believe we have been able to create this experience, but we feel there are elements we need to improve upon. For that reason, we are halting the season to reorganize the league and team operations.”
Box lacrosse is a condensed version of the traditional outdoor sport, played within a contained surface.
Steve Donner, partner in Tadross Donner Sports and Entertainment LLC, which operates Elmira's First Arena, described it as a combination of lacrosse, hockey and basketball, with a 30-second shot clock and the potential for goalies to set up scoring chances with an outlet pass in the blink of an eye.
The new box lacrosse league also includes teams in Syracuse, North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Elmira plays its home games at First Arena, and Binghamton's home venue is Visions Federal Credit Union Veterans Memorial Arena.
Part of the reorganization comes with the appointment of Brad Bryant, the new chief executive officer of the league.
“I’m excited about what is in store for this league," Bryant said. "My goal is to take Mr. Kesner’s concept to the next level and create a sustainable product for years to come that both the players and the fans can be proud of.”
Kesner said the league appreciates the support of loyal lacrosse fans and believes the coming season will prove the decision to call off the remainder of the 2022-23 season was the correct call.
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Pro lacrosse team cancels remaining games in Binghamton and Elmira
