National Lacrosse League, Philadelphia Wings, Georgia Swarm Host “Back The Braid” Celebration Saturday Night In Atlanta

The National Lacrosse League (NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, will join with the Philadelphia Wings (3-14) and Georgia Swarm (12-5) for a special “Back The Braid” celebration this Saturday night before and during the regular season finale between the two teams at Infinite Energy Arena outside of Atlanta, it was announced today.

The night will feature a special pregame ceremony between the two clubs as well as a custom video and a T-shirt giveaway for select fans that was designed by Swarm star and NLL second leading scorer Lyle Thompson (100 pts.). This celebration will grow the awareness of Indigenous Peoples and their crucial role in the continued growth and development of their native sport of lacrosse. The game will be shown on B/R Live Saturday at 7:05 p.m. ET

Lyle Thompson will be one of at least ten players and coaches in the game (including his brothers Miles and Jerome) with Indigenous roots, including teammates Zed Williams, Randy Staats, LeRoy Halftown and Brendan Bomberry along with Gowah Abrams, Vaughn Harris, Frank Brown and Assistant General Manager Landon Miller of the Philadelphia Wings. The special “Back The Braid” shirts will be worn by both clubs during pregame warmups and a special ceremony. Select fans will also receive the popular t-shirt. Other t-shirts will be available for sale with a portion of all sales going to Right To Play, the NLL’s official charity, which is assisting young Indigenous people grow in the sport of lacrosse.

“We are proud to be able to continue to raise the awareness of and champion the great history that Indigenous People have with the sport of lacrosse during this special regular season finale in Atlanta,” said NLL commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “As a league we are pushing very hard to be not just more diverse, but to use our games as a platform for learning. We believe events like Saturday only further that effort across North America. I also applaud Lyle and all our players for everything they are doing, not just this weekend but year round, to make sure that the game continues to be vibrant and embraces all cultures.”

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About the National Lacrosse League

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 13 franchises across the United States and Canada: Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, New England Black Wolves, New York Riptide, Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors. For more information, visit NLL.com and find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.