The NY Lizards Lacrosse Team Presents: 80’s Night, July 20!
Hempstead, NY - July 14, 2017 - The New York Lizards Major League lacrosse team is seeking to bring back the over-the-top exuberance and fun of a bygone era when they present their first-ever themed event – 80’s Night – at their next home game at Hofstra University this Thursday, July 20.
The New York Lizards of one of the original teams of Major League Lacrosse, according to CEO Jeffrey Rudnick.
The New York Lizards face off against the Atlanta Blaze on July 13, 2017. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
“The team was originally founded in 2001, and was purchased by our organization at the start of the 2012 season. This is now our 6th season with the team,” he said. “We're one of nine teams in the league…we made some big trades a few weeks ago and we're making a playoff push and have had some good victories this season, and we're looking to continue that.”
Fans pack the stands at a recent NY Lizards home game at Hofstra University. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University in Hempstead serves as the Lizards’ home base of operations; in a standard season, they play all seven home games there, in addition to playing seven away games hosted at opponent stadiums as well. The Lizards’ roster consists of 25 players, 19 of which dress for each game, and the players themselves hail from a diverse number of locations, including New York, Baltimore, Massachusetts, Canada, and more.
Young fans get a thrill as the New York Lizards take to the field. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
With attendance and enthusiasm for their home games at an all-time high, Rudnick noted that the Lizards wanted to try something new as a way of generating additional interest as well as giving back to the fans that have so lovingly supported them over the years- their first-ever Theme Night, reflecting an iconic era an American pop-culture history: the 1980’s.
The New York Lizards face off against the Atlanta Blaze on July 13, 2017. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
“On July 20th here at Hofstra, we're going to be doing an 80’s night, and it's going to be great,” he said. “We're going to have lots of 80’s-themed events going on, and a special performance by famous 80’s pop music star Tiffany, singing her multiple hits at half-time, including ‘I Think We're Alone Now.’ So it's going to be a lot of fun for all the people who grew up in the 80s, and also the kids now.”
NY Lizards CEO Jeffrey Rudnick. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
There's always something going on at the stadium when the Lizards are playing; even though this is their first Theme Night, in the past they've had dress-up nights and numerous giveaways. In fact, on the 20th, Northwell Health will be doing a drawstring backpack giveaway for the first thousand fans in attendance that evening.
The Fun Zone features a huge amount of exclusive NY Lizards merchandise for fans to purchase and wear to the game. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
The 80’s Theme Night will be taking place on Thursday, July 20th; the gates open at 5 p.m., and game time is at 7 p.m.
Local kids playing exciting games for prizes in the Fun Zone before the July 13 game. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
The idea for an 80’s-themed event, Rudnick said, came simply from the fact that the era – known for its bright neon colors, unique fashion sense, and upbeat music – has been experiencing a major resurgence in popularity amongst older and younger people alike, and that it would be great to tap into the spirit of that age in order to create a fun and exciting experience for attendees.
The New York Lizards face off against the Atlanta Blaze on July 13, 2017. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
“I think the idea of an 80’s Night resonates with a lot of our fans and the families...a lot of the parents grew up in the 80s, and we thought that would be fun,” he said. “A lot of people still love the 80’s, even the young kids now...they get to hear the music on different radio stations. It was a fun era, and it was an era I grew up in, and I think a lot of people are going to enjoy it.”
Fans stand for the singing of the National Anthem before New York Lizards face off against the Atlanta Blaze on July 13, 2017. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
Rudnick noted that if the 80’s Theme Night is successful, the Lizards’ next season will likely include more great events along those lines. The final home game in their current season – slated to take place in August – will feature a player card giveaway, so fans will want to make sure to be there bright and early.
A young fan has the speed of his swing measured at the NY Lizards' Fun Zone. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
But regardless of Theme Nights or giveaways or anything else, Rudnick emphasized the fact that anytime fans come out to see the Lizards in action at Hofstra University, they're promised a good time. Whether it's indulging and fun games and activities and their self-styled Fan Zone, or buying exclusive Lizards merchandise to wear as they cheer on the home team, the sense of community, fun, and excitement in store at any Lizards game is enough of a draw on its own. The upcoming 80’s Night, however, promises to push that excitement over the edge.
The Fun Zone features a huge amount of exclusive NY Lizards merchandise for fans to purchase and wear to the game. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle
“Lacrosse is booming everywhere...it's been booming on Long Island forever, but around the country it's growing exponentially. It's a great sport to play and to watch,” Rudnick said. “New York Lizards lacrosse is a great family event to come to, and it's fun for grown-ups too. You have the opportunity in the Fan Zone to do a lot of interactive games for the kids, and parents feel safe enough that they can leave their children inside the gates here while they run around with their lacrosse sticks. But there are also the adult areas where they can grab a beer and watch the game. It's just a fun experience for all ages.”