For the first time in more than ten years, the thunderous energy of professional box lacrosse echoed through an Edmonton arena. The National Lacrosse League (NLL) made its long-awaited return to the city on January 16, 2025, as the visiting Georgia Swarm took on the Calgary Roughnecks at Rogers Place.
A Major League Comeback for the City
The game marked a significant moment for sports fans in the Alberta capital, ending a drought that lasted over a decade for top-tier lacrosse action. The atmosphere was palpable as players from both teams prepared for the contest, with the Swarm holding their morning shootaround on the Rogers Place floor. The return of the NLL provides Edmonton with another major professional sports attraction alongside its NHL and CFL franchises.
Rivalry Renewed on the Turf
The matchup featured a classic intra-provincial rivalry, pitting Alberta's own Calgary Roughnecks against the Georgia-based Swarm. These fast-paced, high-scoring games are a hallmark of the NLL, known for its physical play and skilled offensive execution. The return of such competition to Edmonton is seen as a test for potential future franchise expansion or more regular season games in the market.
Craig Ellingson reported on the event, capturing the anticipation surrounding the league's comeback. The visual documentation, including photos from the shootaround by Evan Klippenstein of CTV News Edmonton, highlighted the professional setup and focus of the athletes as they geared up for the night's battle.
What This Means for Edmonton Sports
The successful hosting of an NLL game at a premier venue like Rogers Place demonstrates the city's capacity and appetite for diverse professional sports. It opens the door for future considerations, including:
- Potential for an Edmonton-based NLL expansion team in the coming years.
- More regular season games being scheduled in the city as a neutral site.
- Increased exposure and growth for lacrosse at the grassroots level in Northern Alberta.
While the outcome of the specific January 16th game is not detailed in the initial report, the mere fact of the league's return is the headline. For Edmonton sports enthusiasts, it was a night to celebrate the return of a hard-hitting, exciting sport that had been absent for far too long.
