FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edmonton, AB (December 18, 2025) – The National Lacrosse League (NLL) today announced a partnership with Explore Edmonton to support and amplify the 2026 NLL UnBOXed Series Edmonton. This collaboration utilizes a platform developed by the NLL, which OEG Sports & Entertainment (OEGSE) sought to bring to Edmonton to drive Indigenous representation, youth engagement, and grassroots lacrosse across the region.
The second edition of the NLL UnBOXed Series takes place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Rogers Place in downtown Edmonton as the Calgary Roughnecks battle the Georgia Swarm starting at 8 p.m. MT.
The NLL UnBOXed Series was developed as a scalable platform that combines elite professional box lacrosse with intentional community investment. Through this partnership, Explore Edmonton will leverage the NLL UnBOXed platform to showcase Edmonton as a destination for culturally meaningful sporting experiences while supporting the League’s broader mission to expand access to the game and honor its Indigenous roots.
“Edmonton is an important community in the NLL’s broader vision to grow the game in meaningful and sustainable ways,” said Kurt Hunzeker, NLL Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations. “Launching NLL UnBOXed programming this academic year in Edmonton-area schools reflects our belief that long-term growth starts with access, education, and community connection. Explore Edmonton’s ability to connect the League with civic leaders, local businesses, and community partners allows this platform to extend beyond a single event and create a lasting impact for youth, families, and Indigenous communities across the region.”
Central to the NLL UnBOXed Series Edmonton activation is a celebration of lacrosse’s Indigenous origins and its ongoing cultural significance. Programming tied to the 2026 event will intentionally highlight Indigenous communities throughout the region, with opportunities for Indigenous-led organizations, youth programs, and cultural leaders to engage with the platform through storytelling, participation, and community outreach.
Explore Edmonton’s involvement reflects its strategic approach to supporting events that deliver both economic impact and long-term community benefit.
“The NLL UnBOXed Series revives Edmonton’s long history with the sport of lacrosse and brings national visibility to the city. This partnership allows us not only to support the event coming to Edmonton, but to enable the NLL to create inclusive community outcomes beyond the arena,” said Cindy Medynski, Director of Sport and Culture, Explore Edmonton. “With an estimated total economic impact of $5.2 million, this event is a strong example of how Explore Edmonton and event organizers enhance the visitor economy while delivering year-round experiences for residents and visitors alike.”
As part of the 2026 NLL UnBOXed Series Edmonton activation, the NLL will continue to work with Explore Edmonton to identify and attract additional community and Indigenous partners focused on expanding lacrosse participation across Edmonton and Alberta.
The Edmonton event builds on the NLL’s growing NLL UnBOXed footprint across North America, using the League’s fun, fast-paced professional competition as a catalyst for grassroots programming, cultural storytelling, and sustained community growth.
For more information on the NLL UnBOXed Series, visit NLL.com.
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s largest professional lacrosse league and welcomed more than 1 million fans for the third consecutive year during the 2024-25 season. Founded in 1986, the NLL is comprised of 14 franchises across Canada and the United States, and recently unveiled its largest brand campaign ever, “Welcome to The Next Major League™” and introduced its comprehensive grassroots initiative, NLL UnBOXed™, that will expand the League’s footprint to 60 communities across North America by 2028. For the latest scores and developments in the National Lacrosse League, please visit: NLL.com and find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok. Games are available live and streaming on TSN, TSN+, the ESPN family of networks, ESPN+, and NLL+.
Explore Edmonton Corporation (EEC) is the Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) for Edmonton. EEC tells our city’s story, elevates the Edmonton experience and generates inbound visitation. EEC manages the Edmonton Convention Centre and the Edmonton EXPO Centre. While EEC’s mandate is focused on attracting visitors from beyond our city’s limits, what we do and how we do it also enhances and amplifies the quality of life for Edmontonians.
For all NLL media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Meghan O’Donnell and Samantha Ward, National Lacrosse League, [email protected].
