(Philadelphia, PA October 28, 2020)- The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the longest-running and most successful professional lacrosse league in the world, announced today that the League is targeting to start their 35th season the weekend of April 9th to 11th in 2021. The focus of the league and NLL teams is to work with health authorities and local jurisdictions to develop health and safety protocols for the players and fans at their games. A detailed schedule will follow at an appropriate time.

“We will trust and follow the guidance of government and health authorities for a safe return to play in Halifax,” said Thunderbirds Owner and GM, Curt Styres. “It is of the utmost importance for us to ensure the safety of everyone involved to navigate a successful return to play. We are proud of the way the people of Halifax have responded to the pandemic.”

Under the current plan, teams would report to individual training camps – some virtual and some in-person – under strict guidelines in mid-March, with all teams beginning gameplay in April.

“We have been continuously working with our teams, Players’ Association, arenas, health, and government officials to prepare to play our 35th season. An April start date will give us sufficient time to have our protocols in place for players, coaches, staff as well as fans,” NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz said. “We are working with all teams to provide the safest environment and an acceptable level of fans in the stands. We understand that current circumstances will dictate whether this plan is achievable, and we will be prepared to remain flexible and pivot as needed. We want to thank all our players, fans, and partners who have supported our efforts to stay connected and engaged during this prolonged offseason and are looking forward to returning to play in April.” 

“We are very excited to begin preparation to return to Halifax in the spring of 2021. We are cautiously optimistic that we can return to the Nest where we have unfinished business, said Mike Accursi, Head Coach of the Thunderbirds. “Our team is excited to return action and are looking forward to starting right where we left off at the top of the North Division.”

The league is in the process of continuing to build out several scenarios that factor in current and longer-term restrictions in municipalities in both the United States and Canada with regard to immigration and facility use. The NLL’s plans will remain fluid with options for best-case scenarios for teams, officials, players, fans and coaches as April approaches. 

"We can’t wait to welcome the Halifax Thunderbirds back to Scotiabank Centre as soon as the time is right. We look forward to working with the team and the league on new, enhanced health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of our staff, guests, players and partners while still creating the amazing experience fans have come to expect from a Thunderbirds game" said Scotiabank Centre President and CEO Carrie Cussons. "We will share more details on protocols and next steps as they are available in the coming months."

The 2019-20 NLL season ended March 12 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Thunderbirds received instant success both on and off the field in their first season in Halifax. The 8-4 Thunderbirds finished the 2019-20 regular season in sole possession of the first place in the North Division. 

"The safety of everyone involved is our number one priority.  We will be working closely with local health authorities and the Scotiabank Centre to make sure we are following all the necessary procedures and protocols for a safe return to play,” said Thunderbirds President and CEO John Catalano. "With the success, we have seen so far in Halifax, we look forward to getting back on the floor to begin our inaugural season 2.0."

Season Ticket Member packages are on sale for the 2020-21 season. Call or text the Halifax Thunderbirds Ticketing Department at 902-334-2333. Fans can also email info@halifaxthunderbirds.com for customer support.