BOSTON – Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier outdoor professional lacrosse league, announced today Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, will host the 2017 MLL championship game on Saturday, Aug. 19. It will mark the first-ever MLL championship game in the state of Texas.  

“We are extremely proud to announce a partnership with the city of Frisco and The Star,” MLL commissioner David Gross said. “Ford Center is a premier venue that will be instrumental in showcasing our Championship Game this August and we look forward to growing the sport of lacrosse in Texas.”

Ford Center is a 12,000-seat indoor facility on the campus of The Star that hosts the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and serves as the team’s practice venue. It opened in August 2016 with a slate of local high school football games. The facility serves as a focal point to the sports and entertainment district that offers fans the ultimate experience with over 15 restaurants, the Dallas Cowboys ring of honor, an Omni Hotel and the Tostitos Championship Plaza.

“We’re beyond thrilled to host the 2017 Major League Lacrosse championship game at our state-of-the-art facility here at Ford Center at The Star,” said Stephen Jones, chief operating officer of the Dallas Cowboys. “With lacrosse being one of the fastest growing sports in North Texas, we’re looking forward to providing an incredible environment for all fans of MLL and the sport of lacrosse.”

This year’s MLL championship game will mark the second MLL game of any kind in the state of Texas, along with the 2015 MLL All-Star Game at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. 

Each of the previous three MLL championship games was held in Kennesaw, Ga., at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The Denver Outlaws won the Steinfeld Trophy last season with a 19-18 win over the Ohio Machine, for the franchise’s second-ever league title. 

Tickets for the 2017 MLL championship game will go on sale to the public on Saturday, Feb. 18. Also on this Saturday, Ford Center will host men’s and women’s college lacrosse games, as well as high school games, as part of the annual Patriot Cup tournament.