NLL action returns to St. Catharines and the Meridian Centre
After a roaring success in 2025, pre-season National Lacrosse League action returns to St. Catharines this year, as the Buffalo Bandits take on the Las Vegas Desert Dogs once again.
The City of St. Catharines, in partnership with the St. Catharines Junior Athletics Lacrosse Club made the official announcement Wednesday.
On Saturday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m., the Bandits and Desert Dogs will begin the preparation for the 2026/27 National Lacrosse League season with a pre-season game in downtown St. Catharines at the Meridian Centre.
Proceeds from the event will support a number of charities – namely Community Care of St. Catharines/Thorold, the Tucker Williams Braver Than Brave Memorial Fund supporting Sick Kids Hospital, in addition to the non-profit St. Catharines Junior Athletics organization, which operates the St. Catharines Athletics Junior ‘A’ and Junior ‘B’ lacrosse clubs.
“Lacrosse has a long and proud history in our community, and we are thrilled to host the return of the National Lacrosse League to the Meridian Centre, and look forward to seeing that support benefit a number of community organizations at the same time ,” said Brian York, Director of Economic Development and Government Relations for the City of St. Catharines.
Those sentiments were echoed by the President of the St. Catharines Junior Athletics program, Paul Coates.
“We’re truly thankful for the partnership between Las Vegas and Buffalo that has allowed this event to continue beyond our first game in 2024 – allowing lacrosse fans in Niagara the ability to cheer on local players, and with a full arena support local businesses, charities and community groups.”
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Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday October 9 at 10am on Ticketmaster. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards Community Care of St. Catharines/Thorold, the Tucker Williams Braver Than Brave Memorial Fund supporting Sick Kids, and the St. Catharines Junior Athletics.
In addition to the game, lacrosse camps will take place on the day of the game – free of charge – run by players from both the Buffalo Bandits and Las Vegas Desert Dogs.
Details for sign up will be coming forward in the days to come, provided directly to the minor lacrosse associations in Niagara.
There are a number of former Athletics on both rosters including Buffalo captain Steve Priolo, Tom Whitty, Tyson Bell, Nick Damude, Ryan Wagner, Mitchell Armstrong, Ryan Andrews, Arrow Booth, Joe Resetarits, Sam LeClair and Jackson Webster.