Lacrosse Sticks to Replace Soccer Balls

JARC will host Decatur’s first lacrosse tournament in 2013.

For the past seven years, the Jack Allen Recreation Complex has hosted local, regional, and national soccer tournaments attracting thousands of amateur and professional players and earning a reputation as a world class facility nationally and internationally. In 2013, the complex welcomes its first lacrosse tournament where as many as 75 teams from across the southeastern United States will travel to Decatur for the River City Rivalry.

Set for June 22-23, 2013, the River City Rivalry will debut in Decatur. The tournament offers a non-traditional co-ed competition in age groups U13 to U19. “We are very excited to host the inaugural River City lacrosse tournament in Decatur,” said Tournament Co-Director Pam McNabb. “While it is a new tournament, I believe with such a beautiful complex as the Jack Allen Recreation Complex, it will quickly become one of the biggest events in the Southeast.” 

According to the Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB), the two-day event is expected to leave a $1.1 million economic impact on the region. “We are thrilled to see a new sporting event coming to our area,” said Leonard Morris, DMCCVB’s director of special events and sports marketing. “Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports with youth across the southeastern United States, and to see this sport come to Decatur is a dream come true.”

During a visit to The Chattanooga Challenge, a two day lacrosse tournament for youth, DMCCVB President Tami Reist met with Tournament Co-Directors McNabb and Melanie Johnson where she expressed an interest in bringing the sport of lacrosse to Decatur. “After seeing the Jack Allen Recreation Complex firsthand and experiencing the hospitality displayed by staff members from the DMCCVB and Decatur Parks and Recreation, it seemed to be a perfect fit,” said Tournament Co-Director Melanie Johnson. “We are excited about the opportunity the city of Decatur has provided us and believe this event will allow us to continue to grow the sport of lacrosse not only in Alabama, but in the Southeast.”

Teams from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Tennessee are expected. The tournament features full field format with a guaranteed four game minimum play (weather permitting). Each game will consist of two 20 minute halves. Day one will feature “round robin” pool play and day two will be single elimination tournament/consolation play.

The tournament is open to the public. “We encourage everyone to come and see firsthand the excitement a lacrosse game brings and to learn more about this growing sport,” added Morris.  Admission is free. Parking is $10 per day or $15 for both days.

All games will be played at the Jack Allen Recreation Complex located at 2616 Modaus Road SW in Decatur. For more information on the facility, visit www.decatursports.com. 

For more information on the River City Rivalry tournament, contact McNabb or Johnson at 770.940.3812.