Skip to content
Toggle menu
SportsTravel SportsTravel

Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events

Primary Menu
  • News
    • Hosts & Suppliers
    • Recently Awarded
    • Sports Organizations
    • Sports Venues
    • Sponsors & Media
  • IN DEPTH
    • Feature Story
    • On Assignment
    • Perspectives
    • Technology in Sports
  • Podcasts
  • Sports
    • CATEGORY
      • Amateur Sports
      • Youth Sports
      • Collegiate Sports
      • Professional Sports
      • Olympic Sports
      • Paralympic Sports
      • National Governing Body
      • Adaptive Sports
      • Sustainability
      • Water Sports
      • Winter Sports
      • Women’s Sports
    • INDIVIDUAL SPORTS
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Bowling
      • Cycling
      • Football
      • Golf
      • Gymnastics
      • Hockey
      • Lacrosse
      • Motorsports
      • Pickleball
      • Rugby
      • Running
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Swimming
      • Tennis
      • Track & Field
      • Triathlon
      • Volleyball
      • Wrestling
  • Esports
    • Esports News
    • Esports Guide
    • EsportsTravel Summit
  • Resources
    • Bid Bowl
      • Bid Bowl Listings
      • Submission Form
        • About Bid Bowl
    • Destination Spotlight
    • Destination Guides
    • Downloadable Guides
    • Venue Guides
    • Media Kit
      • Media Kit
      • 2022 Editorial Calendar
    • Digital Edition
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • EVENTS
    • TEAMS CONFERENCE & EXPO
    • EsportsTravel Summit
    • SportsTravel Road Trip
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram


Home > Lacrosse > Case Study: 5 Takeaways from MLL’s Mini Season

Case Study: 5 Takeaways from MLL’s Mini Season

The league conducted its abbreviated 20th season in Annapolis, Maryland

Posted On : July 22, 2020 By : Jason Gewirtz

Related Stories

  • Premier Lacrosse League Adds 2023 Championship Series in Sixes Format
  • National Lacrosse League, USA Lacrosse Announce Strategic Partnership
  • USA Lacrosse to Host Athletes Unlimited Season
  • Las Vegas NLL Team to be Called Desert Dogs
  • Jessica Berman Named National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner

Last season, Major League Lacrosse staged events over a longer period of time than typical—ending its season in October instead of Labor Day—in an effort to get lacrosse fans even more aware of the product that has allowed the league to reach its 20th season.

This year, the league wrapped a week-long tournament at one venue that likely will end up serving as the entire season. Welcome to professional sports in the COVID-19 era.

The story of how MLL competed in its own bubble in Annapolis, Maryland, is a look into how leagues and event organizers at all levels are operating and putting their product on the field in as safe a fashion as they can. Here are five takeaways for event organizers from Major League Lacrosse, which finished its abbreviated season July 26, came to be.

1. Rely on Your Personal Networks

Before the start of the year, MLL Commissioner Sandy Brown had expected the 20th season of MLL to begin around Memorial Day with its traditional finish around Labor Day. But when that became unrealistic in March as sports began to shut down and shift, Brown began to shift his thinking as well.

Sandy Brown

“We went through numerous iterations of models to come up with where we are now,” he said by phone during a break in the action from Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, which hosted the league’s six teams in a tournament that began July 18. “The first order of business was to come up with a very rigorous return-to-play protocol.”

That process, of course, included numerous internal discussions with players, owners, league staff and medical professionals. But perhaps as important to Brown was working his connections from more than 20 years of leadership in sports. Before joining the league in 2018 as commissioner, Brown had a lengthy career as a television executive, serving as president/CEO of One World Sports and as president of Univision Sports. He also had experience working international television interests for the NBA.

In crafting MLL’s strategy, he consulted with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, National Lacrosse League Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz and new National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Lisa Baird, among others, on the plans they had in place for their leagues. (The NBA resumes its season July 30 in Orlando, the NWSL wraps up a weeks-long tournament in Utah as well this weekend and the NLL has canceled the remainder of its 2019–2020 season with eyes toward next year.)

“This whole thing has been a collaborative effort among all the professional leagues,” Brown said. “We really work closely to share the mousetrap, so to speak. We’re all learning from each other. That’s one positive that has come from this.”

2. Lock Down Your Plan and Implement It

Eventually, the league came up with its final plan, which has been a tournament staged entirely at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, which serves as the regular-season home to the Chesapeake Bayawks, the league’s reigning champions. Each team is playing each other once for five games total, with games aired on ESPN+. (The July 19 matches appeared on ESPN2.) The July 26 finals were broadcast on ESPN.

The plan drawn up called for all players and coaches to be tested for COVID-19 before traveling to Annapolis to compete. “The protocol began with a swab test, which was required of every one of the players and everyone who sets foot in any part of Navy­­­–Marine Corps Stadium,” Brown said. “We need to know who they are and they have to have a documented negative test.”

Major League Lacrosse chose Navy–Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, to conduct its abbreviated 2020 season. Photo: Anne Evans/MLL

Once on site, all tournament participants reported to the Westin Annapolis, about one-quarter mile from the stadium, for a quarantine period. (The league has taken over about 85 percent of the hotel.) From the start of the tournament, those players, team and league officials were confined to the hotel property when they were not at the stadium for competition. “Movements are limited from the hotel to the stadium,” Brown said. All personnel then received temperature screenings twice per day throughout the tournament.

The protocols proved necessary during the event’s final weekend, when the semifinals on July 25 had to be canceled after a player on one of the teams scheduled to compete tested positive for COVID-19. The player had approached his team’s medical staff the night before with potential symptoms. When the positive test came back, all players were placed into quarantine and contact tracing determined those players most at risk. After receiving the results, each team made its own decision independently about participating, resulting in the semifinals being canceled and the finals taking place between the two remaining highest-ranked teams.

In addition to the health protocols, all meals and hospitality took place in the host hotel. Players dressed in their rooms for competition and then were taken by bus to the stadium for competition, eliminating the need for the use of locker rooms at the venue. The hotel was close enough that players could also walk if they choose. Brown himself biked to the venue.

3. Get Early Buy-In from Participants

As the protocols were being established, Brown said a key was communicating with players. Having player buy-in, he said, was essential for a process that by its nature is out of the norm in a typical year.

“We’ve been here almost a week and I think the players have been very professional,” he said. “I told the players before we set up that at no time in your MLL career will your professionalism be tested to this degree. And these guys have completely stepped up and been model players across the board. I couldn’t be happier about it.”

The condensed schedule had teams playing five games in six days, something professional players had not done since their days as youth. Add in heat and humidity and the schedule required players to be in their best shape.

While the league was able to close off locker rooms at the venue for use, it did install 12 ice baths on site for players to use immediately after competition. “We’re making sure we’re giving them the comforts and the proper hydration,” Brown said.

4. Take Advantage of What You Can Control

One of the key reasons MLL chose the last week of July  to compete has to do with television, something with which Brown is intimately familiar. While the league can’t control the spread of the virus or the weather conditions, officials knew they could at least take advantage of a rare window for national exposure, especially at a time of pent-up demand for live sports from fans inside and out of the sport looking to view competition.

The finals on July 26 gave the league considerable exposure on ESPN. With Major League Baseball starting  and the WNBA, NBA and NHL around the corner, Brown knew the window was now for the league to take advantage of the schedule.

“That was a big consideration for us,” Brown said. “If we had decided to do this in August, we would have gotten lost in the fray with so many other things. This truly gives us an opportunity to showcase the league in a manner it hasn’t been in the past.”

The league also benefited from exposure on the ESPN+ platform through a multiyear deal with the network. “ESPN has been the leader in this space for the last 40 years and they do an off-the-charts job in terms of production,” he said.

5. Work Closely With Your Host Locations

MLL didn’t end up in Annapolis by accident. While other leagues are using Florida or Utah, among other locations, for their bubble concepts, MLL is the first professional league to do so in Maryland. The sport has always been strong in the mid-Atlantic in terms of fandom and participation. But helping matters were not only the presence of one of the league’s most successful teams in Annapolis but also a long relationship with the Maryland Sports Commission, the statewide sports marketing effort. The league’s chief revenue officer has his offices in the same Baltimore building that houses the sports commission.

Terry Hasseltine, executive director of the Maryland Sports Commission and vice president of marketing and communications for the Maryland Stadium Authority, said he was in discussion early on with MLL CRO Mark Burdett about the use of the Annapolis site. “As he and I were going back and forth, he pitched this idea to me: ‘What would you think if MLL played its entire season in Annapolis? Do you think there’d be an appetite for it?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ We helped behind the scenes to make sure they could get off to a good start.”

MLL has had a long relationship with the state of Maryland as well as Annapolis, which is the home to the league’s Chesapeake Bayhawks. Photo: Alex McIntyre/MLL

The league’s plans, Hasseltine said, fit in with the state’s Phase II guidelines for reopening sports. And importantly for the state’s sports marketing efforts, the exposure of professional sports being played in a key venue was beneficial as well.

“They’re playing in Maryland, in our state capital, so that’s a sign that sports are important to us,” he said. “It’s a really proud moment during a really challenging time that we’re able to be a part of sports coming into visibility again.”

Brown acknowledged the connections with the state as well as the Naval Academy have been important to the league being able to play this week. “We’ve had a good relationship there,” he said of the sports commission. “The state of Maryland and Annapolis in particular have always been very good to this league. They players love coming here and we have great fans here. We couldn’t be happier.”

Anniversary Celebration

While the league’s 20th season doesn’t look like Brown would have drawn it up before the pandemic hit, league officials nonetheless are taking the best advantage they can of the situation.

“This is an appropriate form for us to be able to conduct the league in our 20th anniversary season,” he said. “It’s an abbreviated fashion and it keeps our costs down.”

While it faces competition from the upstart Premier Lacrosse League, which begins its second year in operation  in its own bubble in Utah in similar fashion, Brown said Major League Lacrosse is positioned well for the future. The ability to get games in this year also enhances his optimism for the future.

“I feel like we’re on the right trajectory,” he said. “I couldn’t be more sanguine for the future of the sport and the future of the league. There’s a reason we’ve been around for 20 years. In any scenario, when you celebrate 20 years, it’s a big deal.”

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Email
Posted in: Coronavirus, Feature Story, Lacrosse, Main Feature, Professional SportsTagged : Major League Lacrosse,Mark Burdett,Maryland Sports,MLL,Sandy Brown,Terry Hasseltine

Post navigation

National Lacrosse League Expands to Fort Worth
2021 EsportsTravel Summit to be Held in Pittsburgh

Follow us on Twitter

My Tweets

sportstravel

SportsTravel was on location today in Atlanta at t SportsTravel was on location today in Atlanta at the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup, presented by Collegiate Sports Management Group, EsportsU and Skillshot Media at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta. More than 400 collegiate players from all over the country competed with more than 2,000 attendees. #CECCAtlanta2022 #esportsindustry
SportsTravel is on location for the #NCAA beach vo SportsTravel is on location for the #NCAA beach volleyball championships in Gulf Shores, Alabama. @gsob_sportsandevents is a partnership among Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT), the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, Gulf State Park and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In 2007, the organization became a department within GSOBT. In this role, the GSOB Sports & Events – along with assistance from both cities – works to bring quality athletic and leisure events to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. 

#GSOBsports
#GSOBsportsandevents
#GulfShores
#orangebeach
Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a great chat wi Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a great chat with Scott Howson, president of @theahl about how the hockey league survived the pandemic and what competition and events look like on the other side. We also explore his journey from player to executive.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major platforms.

#podcast #sportspodcast #hockey #hockeypodcast #AHL #sports #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness
SportsTravel is celebrating its 25th anniversary o SportsTravel is celebrating its 25th anniversary of issue one this year. We recently caught up on the SportsTravel Podcast with magazine founder Tim Schneider to talk about the origin of the publication, what those early days were like and where the industry is headed next.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

And special thanks to @myrtlebeachconventioncenter for sponsoring this episode!

#podcast #sportspodcast #sports #sportstourism #sportstravel #magazine #magazineindustry #sportsbusiness #sportsbiz
The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a conversation The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a conversation with @julius_journeys of @marriotthotels on the company’s @ncaa sponsorship and activation at the recent Women’s Final Four in Minneapolis. We also delve into his take on how sports have helped the travel industry recover. 

Take a listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

#podcast #sportspodcast #hotelindustry #sportssponsorship #basketball #womensbasketball #womensfinalfour @meetminneapolis
ICYMI: Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a must-l ICYMI: Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a must-listen with Tom Cove, the president and CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, where we go into which sports are trending up and which are trending down when it come to participation. More important, we explore what sports organizations and destinations should do depending where those trends are going.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms. Special thanks to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for sponsoring this episode!

@thesfia @myrtlebeachconventioncenter #podcast #sportspodcast #sports  #research #data #sportsparticipation #youthsports #pickleball #pickleballpodcast #sportsresearch
Two years ago, the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Two years ago, the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells was one of the first major sporting events that went away because of COVID-19. This year’s #BNPPO22 crowds have roared on some of #tennis’ biggest stars including Rafael #Nadal and more. With COVID restrictions recently lifted in California and a vaccine mandate in place, attendance over the middle weekend of the tournament—which runs through March 20—was close to 75 percent of its biggest years. Here is a look around the grounds at what a return to normalcy in the sports world looks like (fingers crossed). Saturday’s tight three-set match between Nadal and up-and-coming young American Sebastian Korda drew a close-to-capacity crowd and something that hasn’t been heard in awhile—legions of screaming fans, while the outer courts at the appropriately named @indianwellstennisgarden are a popular spot. Doubles action between John Isner and Jack Sock of the U.S. and Nick Kyrios and Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia was a popular draw on Stadium 2 but those not inside the stadiums can still watch the action on big screens on the lawn outside. Organizers of the @bnpparibasopen are happy to welcome fans back to what they call “Tennis Paradise."
College basketball is full of venues that reflect College basketball is full of venues that reflect the community teams play in and one such place is the Reilly Center at St. Bonaventure University. Since it opened in 1966, the Reilly Center has served as the focal point on @bonnies_mbb and @bonnies_wbb game nights not only for the campus community but throughout the region. In 2016, ESPN selected it as the most difficult place for opponents to play in the Atlantic 10 and one of the top 10 such venues in the nation. In the summer of 2007, a state-of-the-art floor was installed and named "Bob Lanier Court" in honor of the 1970 @stbonaventureuniversity  graduate, All-American and Basketball Hall of Famer. Tuesday’s win over Rhode Island was in front of just under 4,000 fans in an atmosphere that sounded like twice as many people were there.
NEW EPISODE! With the @ciaasports men’s and wome NEW EPISODE! With the @ciaasports men’s and women’s basketball tournaments tipping off this week, we sit down with Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams to learn why the event has moved to Baltimore after years in Charlotte, the importance of ancillary events to the festivities and the pace of DEI efforts in collegiate sports hiring. Listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major #podcast platforms.

And special thanks to @marylandsportscommission for sponsoring this episode!

#sportspodcast #ciaa #basketball #collegebasketball #sportstourism #sportstravel @visitbmore #baltimore #maryland #hbcu #hbcubasketball
The Carrier Dome is the largest structure of its k The Carrier Dome is the largest structure of its kind on a college campus with tens of thousands every season coming to watch stars such as Dwayne "Pearl" Washington, Rony Seikaly, Sherman Douglas, Derrick Coleman and 2003 NCAA champions Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara. The Dome has hosted five NCAA East Regional since 2000 and also hosts SU's football team, the 11-time NCAA champion men's lacrosse team, the women's lacrosse squad and the women's basketball team. It’s iconic dome structure has been replaced with a more modern look in recent years. Saturday’s crowd saw the Orange beat Boston College 76-56.
The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a chat with Stu The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a chat with Stu Upson, CEO of @usapickleball. We discuss what’s behind the phenomenon that SFIA says is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, the status of pickleball venues and the landscape for events.

Listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms. And special thanks to @playacsports for sponsoring this episode!

#pickleball #podcast #podcasts #sportspodcast #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness #sportstourism #sportstravel
SportsTravel was excited to be on hand for today’s historic opening of the new @usabmx headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The venue includes office space for the NGB but even more importantly a world-class arena and a permanent home for the BMX Hall of Fame. Stay tuned for our upcoming coverage at SportsTravelMagazine.com.

#bmx #tulsa @visittulsa @tulsasportscommission #ngb #cycling
As part of its continuing 20th anniversary celebra As part of its continuing 20th anniversary celebrations of hosting the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, a public exhibition of sports including curling and biathlon was held outside along with pin trading, music and a climbing wall. Nearby at the @teamusa USA house with graphics designed by @infinite_scale, dignitaries and Olympic supporters from around the area gathered to watch the action from Beijing. Part of the afternoon included a visit from Senator Mitt Romney, who was part of the 2002 SLC leadership along with Fraser Bullock, with both speaking to a crowd that included Olympic legend Eric Heiden.
What does this robot bartender have anything to do What does this robot bartender have anything to do with the Olympic Winter Games? It’s one of the many quirky aspects of being in the “closed loop.” Visit SportsTravelMagazine.com for Lisa Delpy Neirotti’s inside look at what life is like in the loop.

#beijing #beijing2022 #robot #bartender @gwsportmngt #olympics
With its prime location near many of the most impo With its prime location near many of the most important business hubs in the northeast, Ocean City, Maryland, is a supremely accessible and scenic destination for groups. Planners can choose from a diverse array of group-friendly venues and treat their attendees to activities that include relaxing along 10 miles of white-sand beach, strolling a three-mile Boardwalk, trying their swing at any of 17 championship golf courses and savoring the cuisine at more than 200 restaurants. Find out more in our destination guide here: https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/guide-to-sports-events-and-venues-in-ocean-city
Stay close to the action and reserve your room now Stay close to the action and reserve your room now at the official host hotel of the EsportsTravel Summit, the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. Located at the edge of one of the most famous beaches in the world, the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort offers elegant oceanside rooms and provides convenient access to the EsportsTravel Summit, including the educational sessions and the Destination & Supplier Marketplace. Book your room at the EsportsTravel Summit special rate today and be part of the world’s largest gathering of esports tournament and video-game event organizers at the only event focused on the travel side of the esports industry. Visit esportstravelsummit.com for more information.
To mark the 20-year anniversary of Salt Lake City To mark the 20-year anniversary of Salt Lake City hosting the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the torch at Rice-Eccles Stadium was re-lit during a Tuesday night ceremony. Governor Spencer Cox, Mayor Erin Mendenhall and 2002 Games CEO Fraser Bullock each spoke during the event, which included 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games athletes as well as current youth athletes representing the Children of Light, a theme from the 2002 opening and closing ceremonies. The torch will remain lit through this week.

#Olympics2022 #Olympics #WinterOlympics #TeamUSA  #saltlakecity #slc2030
With skiing and snowboarding underway in Beijing, With skiing and snowboarding underway in Beijing, be sure to check out our most recent episode of the SportsTravel Podcast, which features U.S. Ski & Snowboard CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. We talk to her about the logistics of getting her team’s athletes to China, the growth of both sports and her being one of the few women to lead an NGB.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

@usskiteam @teamusa @beijing2022 #beijing #beijing2022 #ski #snowboard #skiing #snowboarding #olympics
Our @gwsportmngt Lisa Delpy Neirotti is in Beijing Our @gwsportmngt Lisa Delpy Neirotti is in Beijing and reports that despite the limited crowds, organizers are still providing a DJ and other entertainment, similar to what organizers did in Tokyo under similar circumstances. That was the case as the U.S. women’s hockey team dominated the Russian Olympic Committee team.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers tries his hand Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers tries his hand at curling during a kickoff to a weekend celebration at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum called Downtown Winter Fest. Two-time Paralympian John Register was also on hand for the announcement of the festival, which begins with a daylong event on Saturday to celebrate the Beijing Games. Olympians including Peggy Fleming will be on hand for autographs and attendees at the free event can see other sport demonstrations and experience a torch relay. Events are planned at the downtown museum throughout the Games.

@usopmuseum @visitcos @olympiccityusa @thesportscorp @teamusa #olympics #paralympics @springsgov #usopm #museum #beijing2022
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Ajay Nwosu: Building a Following for USA Teqball
  • Decision on 2030 Winter Games Host Coming Within Next Year, IOC Says
  • ATP, WTA Tours Axe Wimbledon Ranking Points over Ban
  • FIFA to Announce 2026 World Cup Host Cities on June 16
  • Prefontaine Classic Returns to Normalcy in 2022
Sports Travel Magazine

About Us

Since 1997, SportsTravel magazine has served the sports‐related travel and event industry. It is the only publication written and designed to serve the people who organize, manage and host sporting events of all types at all levels.

  • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • SportsTravel Foundation
  • Supplied Content
  • Privacy
  • Terms

NORTHSTAR TRAVEL MEDIA SITES

  • Northstar Meetings Group
  • Meetings & Conventions
  • Meetings & Conventions Asia
  • Meetings & Conventions China
  • Successful Meetings
  • Incentive
  • Meeting News
  • Retail Travel
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • See All Northstar Brands

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Sports ETA

Destinations International
Northstar Travel Media LLC Copyright © 2022 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
scroll to top
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.