LXM Pro Tour

LXM Pro Tour, or LXM Pro, is a California-based professional men's field lacrosse showcase that features many of the sport's most accomplished players. LXM Pro Tour was founded by former college lacrosse and Major League Lacrosse players, notably former Johns Hopkins star Kyle Harrison^[1]

The tour has demonstrated a pattern of being able to draw some of the top collegiate and professional players away from the more established MLL.^[2]

History

LXM Pro was founded in late 2009 by former college All-Americans and professional players Scott Hochstadt, Craig Hochstadt, Xander Ritz, Max Ritz, and Kyle Harrison.^[3] Founding partner, Rich Fiore of Las Vegas, joined the team as lead investor and died in his sleep only days after LXM Pro's inaugural event.^[4]

In 2010 LXM Pro hosted four events, LXM 512 in Austin, LXM Pro Launch Party at the NCAA Final Four, LXM 610 in Philadelphia, and LXM 904 in Jacksonville.

In 2011 LXM Pro staged another four events, returning to Orange County, California for LXM 949, LXM 410 in Towson, Maryland, LXM 610 back in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and LXM 702 in Las Vegas, Nevada to cap off the second full year of events. All-American twin midfielders Shamel and Rhamel Bratton, from the University of Virginia, announced they had made the decision to opt for LXM over the MLL.^[5]

In 2012 Division III superstar Sam Bradman made an unexpected decision to play on the LXM Pro Tour after having been drafted by the Long Island Lizards of the MLL.^[6] 8 games were played plus three promotional events were held by LXM, including a Launch Party in Los Angeles and the 3rd Annual LXM Pro Final Four Party.^[7]

The schedule for the 2013 LXM Pro Tour held 9 pro games and club team tournaments over the span of June through December. LXM partnered with Adrenaline Lacrosse to turn LXM event stops in tournaments for club teams, training sessions players, and other fan friendly events like autograph sessions with players.^[8] Also, former Syracuse star Tim Desko announced he would join the LXM Pro Tour in, though he had been drafted by Charlotte Hounds of the MLL just weeks prior.^[9]

Comedic movie star Peter Dante, who played lacrosse in as a child in Connecticut and at Hofstra University, is heavily involved with LXM Pro as a coach and its youth lacrosse programs on game days. Dante's passion for the sport, and LXM specifically, has helped bring awareness to the sport of lacrosse.^[10]

On February 13, 2014, the MLL and Adrenaline (the parent company of the LXM Pro Tour) announced they had formed a partnership. This partnership includes Adrenaline becoming the (non-exclusive) sock provider, (exclusive) sideline hat, and (exclusive) shooting shirt supplier of the league. More importantly, this partnership allowed MLL players to play in the LXM Pro Tour and vice versa. Because of this, the LXM Pro Tour events were moved to the MLL off season (September through March).^[11]

MLL Comparison

Major League Lacrosse was founded in 1999 as a more "nontraditional" style of field lacrosse. Main differences in MLL are the use of a shot clock and a two-point-goal line. LXM Pro is more "traditional" in their approach to game play. Field lines match the lines of standard lacrosse field. LXM features no two point goal or "hard" shot clock, similar to NCAA lacrosse.

Like the MLL, LXM Pro Tour does allow dive shots. The dive shot (without an attacking player being pushed from behind) was disallowed in 1999 in NCAA lacrosse to help protect goalies.^[12]

Past Events

References