Georgia Swarm to honor roots of lacrosse with fourth annual Native Heritage Night on Feb. 9

January 31, 2019

(ATLANTA) – The 2017 NLL World Champion Georgia Swarm are celebrating the roots of lacrosse on Saturday, Feb. 9 with their fourth annual Native Heritage Night presented by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

Before the Swarm take on the Buffalo Bandits at 7:05 p.m. ET on Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Field at Infinite Energy Arena, fans can enjoy pregame events highlighting Native culture and attend an educational session featuring the Swarm’s seven Native players.

Fans can RSVP for the pregame festivities and purchase tickets to Native Heritage Night at GeorgiaSwarm.com/NativeHeritageNight or by calling 844-4-GASWARM. Early arriving fans will receive a Mike Poulin bobblehead courtesy of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

“I am extremely excited about the Georgia Swarm’s Native Heritage Night. As many are aware, lacrosse has its roots in the ancient tradition of stickball. Because of this connection, the partnership between the EBCI and Georgia Swarm is a natural fit. We are grateful to work with the Georgia Swarm and appreciate their work to highlight and honor our Native American culture and lifestyle,” Principal Chief Richard Sneed said.

The Swarm’s seven Native players – Lyle, Miles and Jerome Thompson (Onondaga Nation), Randy Staats (Six Nations, Mohawk Turtle Clan), Zed Williams (Seneca Nation), Brendan Bomberry (Six Nations, Mohawk Turtle Clan), and LeRoy Halftown (Seneca Nation) – will hold a speaking session at 4:30 p.m. to discuss their heritage and answer fan questions.

“It has always been a part of the Swarm’s great mission to honor the roots of our great game and educate our fans about the sport’s history, culture and traditions,” Swarm Co-Owner and President Andy Arlotta said. “With seven Native players on our roster, it was important that we dedicated a night to celebrating lacrosse’s heritage.”

Native craft demonstrators and vendors will be set up in the main concourse of Infinite Energy Arena when doors open at 4:00 p.m. Fans will be able to check in and claim their Mike Poulin bobblehead.

Following the players’ open forum, Principal Chief Sneed of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will speak, along with Warrior Dancers, Storyteller, and Miss Cherokee Royalties.