Titans Cometh: A Noteworthy Addition to the New York Sports Scene

I will be the first to admit that I know next to nothing about lacrosse. Though I have many diverse sports interests ranging from baseball to fencing, lacrosse or LAX as it is known by fans has never figured prominently on my radar. Recently I was given complimentary tickets to Madison Square Garden for a New York Titans game against the Toronto Rock, the Titans being the newest addition to both the National Lacrosse League and the Big Apple sports scene. I went with little in the way of expectations. My main interest was seeing the team mascot Mr. Titan twirl his cape around in the center of the field like Elvis Presley on steroids. While I'm still a definite novice, the Titans 13-10 upset win over the Rock left me with a new and unexpected appreciation for lacrosse as well as the team's approach to promoting itself to a loyal, growing fanbase.

LAX devotees needn't be told of the speed, toughness and agility of lacrosse players. The parallels to hockey are obvious. Both sports require specific skill sets from their players; stick handling, willingness to take the body and overall quickness. There are differences in game play. Unlike hockey which uses six position players, lacrosse features ten; three attackmen, three midfielders, three defenders and a goalie. The alignment difference makes lacrosse, played on a much smaller surface, appear more manic and intense, which is not lost on the promotions department of the Titans.

I can not speak for other NLL teams but the Titans organization does a wonderful job of playing to the aggressiveness of the sport. Rock music and typical sports anthems blare from the speakers during play making the fans feel like they are watching a music video or playing a video game. Surely cynics can attribute the loud music to sparse attendance but the gimmick works. The players, aware that LAX needs all the attention it can get in New York competing with Garden staples the Rangers and Knicks, are wonderful at pandering to the crowd jumping up against the glass after goals or waiving their sticks in the air upon scoring.

Intermission and post game entertainment are a big hit at games highlighted by the Titans dancers and the aforementioned Mr. Titan. If Mr. Titan had more energy, he would implode. After the fourth period whistle sounds, Titans fans are invited on to the field for autograph meet and greet sessions with Mr. Titan and their favorite players, all of whom are incredibly accommodating.

It remains to be seen whether this second introduction to lacrosse, the first being the failed NY Saints, will succeed. LAX, a Canadian import is popular primarily in suburban, college towns in the United States. That said, at a starting ticket price of $15, a Titans game is a cost effective and fan friendly option for any serious sports fan.