Coaches, players and organizers of the Face-Off Classic want to see the college lacrosse double-header remain in Baltimore, but different teams could take the field at M&T Bank Stadium in the future.
A crowd of 19,165 watched third-ranked Virginia defeat seventh-ranked Syracuse, 14-13 in overtime, and top-ranked Johns Hopkins cruise to a 14-9 victory over ninth-ranked Princeton on a chilly, windy Saturday afternoon.
Virginia coach Dom Starsia and Syracuse coach John Desko each said the event is good for the sport, but they miss playing each other on campus, which could lead to one or both schools backing out of the event for at least one season.
“This event has surpassed our expectations,” Starsia said. “The only issue frankly is Virginia going to Syracuse and Syracuse going to Virginia. Those are things we like for our local lacrosse communities. I think our kids like going to the [Carrier] Dome, so you give up a little of that when you do something like this. We?re all talking about it. I don?t think anyone has made a decision about the future.”
Inside Lacrosse magazine, the event?s organizer, was pleased with the turnout a year after a regular-season record, 20,180 fans attended the inaugural Classic at the same venue. Still, Inside Lacrosse, which has had preliminary discussions with the four schools about returning, is constantly looking to improve the event, including the possibility of inviting different teams as early as next year.
“We?re going to want to do this again,” Andy Bilello, Inside Lacrosse?s director of business development, said. “We feel like we?ve established an event and it?s our intention to go forward and do this again and again. This year proves last year wasn?t a fluke? We want to have events around the country and there?s no question Baltimore has the greatest fan support for lacrosse of any market in the country. The success of this year and last year makes you wonder why wouldn?t you keep it in Baltimore?”
Johns Hopkins coach Dave Pietramala said it?s important to look at the bigger picture for the sport when participating in an event like the Face-Off Classic.
“It?s a great opportunity for all four teams from the national exposure to playing in front of a large crowd in a playoff-type environment,” he said. “Whether you win or lose no matter what, that type of experience is invaluable.”
