They say Las Vegas is quickly becoming one of the biggest sports cities in the country.
With the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team, The Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA, Las Vegas Raiders football (the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium) is just weeks away – there is always a game to see.
I’ve lived in Las Vegas over thirty years, and a lot has come and gone in the way of sports. Much to no one’s surprise. But one of the biggest sports surprises, to me, was NLL (National Lacrosse League) coming to Vegas, and how much I absolutely love it. I’ve been to a few games, and The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are now my favorite Las Vegas team!
Box Lacrosse Is In Las Vegas, But What Is It All About
It all takes place at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena – Indoor box lacrosse, so it’s a shorter, and faster game than outdoor lacrosse. The box, or field, is like a hockey rink, with glass surrounding it – to have fun pounding on when goals are made. Combined, I’m told that teams score an average of about 25 goals during an NLL game.
There are four fifteen-minute quarters. A tie at the end of regulation play is decided in sudden-victory overtime. I have a Lacrosse player friend who explained to me that in Box Lacrosse, offense and defense are rotated out. In regular lacrosse, where offense and defense are both on the field throughout the game. In Box lacrosse, you’ll see players going in and out of the game, depending on what is happening.
Those are some of the basics, but here’s my take: From the minute the teams are introduced, the action DOES NOT STOP! You feel like a part of The Las Vegas Desert Dogs team, because of how gracious they are. They hit back on the glass when you hit. They do drive by waves. It feels like you are part of the game, because the Dogs are so appreciative of you being there to support them.
One Big Party At Mandalay Bay
DJ Thump keeps the party going with the best, and most perfect music. And the Desert Dogs Dancers never stop! They are on either end of the Michelob Ultra Arena cheering on the team the whole game. With the exception of when they are also performing on the field.
It’s fast, it’s rough, and you get to howl. Because that’s what Desert Dogs do. And there is always an after party that all fans are invited to after the game. It’s at Flankers, and you get a two for one cocktail.
If you want to have some fun, and watch a great game, go see the Desert Dogs play. Here is their schedule for the season. Tickets are very affordable. Starting at $19 dollars, up to about $100 dollars. Not many tickets you can get in Las Vegas for that price. And trust me – you will have a BLAST!
AHHHHHHH-OOOOOOOOOH!!!!UltraMichelobMandalay
Las Vegas Desert Dogs Lacrosse lineup
The Las Vegas Desert Dogs start each game with fire and flames! Introducing each player and pumping up the crowd before the game.
The celebratory ball drop
96.3 KKLZ Las Vegas’s Mike O’Brian and Carla Rea do the ceremonial ball drop before the game. It’s like a hockey face off – but much more intense!
Las Vegas Desert Dogs players
Las Vegas Desert Dogs lineup before hitting the playing field. It’s quite a fun display of lights and sound.
Las Vegas Desert Dogs Goalie
One of the Las Vegas Desert Dogs goalies, Joel Watson, and KKLZ’s Carla Rea. Six four, 310 pounds. He said “I’m a big boy.” But that’s what you need at goalie, right?
Angie, a fan, watching from the Doghouse
The Doghouse is a cool area behind the goal. You pay a little more for tickets, but it’s well worth the $50 dollars. you have your own bar, tables, chairs – and it’s really easy to pound on the glass when they score.
DJ Thump keeps the party going
DJ Thump, from Jammin’ 105.7 Las Vegas, keeps the music, and party going throughout the game, with the best music for the moment. The whole atmosphere is like one big house party, surrounded by a kick a** game!
