The Las Vegas Veteran

The Las Vegas Desert Dogs to host their first Hero Appreciation night

Las Vegas welcomed its first professional lacrosse sports team, The Las Vegas Desert Dogs, in 2022. The National Lacrosse League (NLL) team is playing its inaugural season through 2023 and is owned by billionaire Joe Tsai, NHL hall of famer Wayne Gretzky, NBA coach Steve Nash, and professional golfer Dustin Johnson.

On March 11, 2023, the Desert Dogs are hosting their first Hero Appreciation night at Michelob Ultra Arena in Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. Although tickets are typically around $25-$99, the event offers first responders and military veterans tickets for $5.

The lacrosse team is partnering with the Southern Nevada Veteran Chamber of Commerce (SNVCC) and the Veteran Social Club to do the event. Additionally, the Veteran Social Club is hosting a veteran social event after the game at the Leatherneck Club, a local Marine bar.

College lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and the NLL is considered box lacrosse which is faster-paced than field lacrosse. The league is third in average attendance numbers for in-door pro sports, falling just behind the NHL and NBA. Las Vegas’ new team brings the NLL up to 15 franchises across the U.S. and Canada.

Lacrosse began in 1100 AD by the Haudenosaunee people, making it one of the longest-played games in America. The game was thought to have been a spiritual event, as well as a way to prepare Native Americans for war or to socialize. The original game of Lacrosse was played with deer hide balls and wooden sticks and could last for days on mile-long fields.

This event is an excellent way for veterans in the valley to get out and meet like-minded peers, while learning more about this up and coming sport. Veterans can buy tickets and find more information about the upcoming event through the Veteran Social Club LinkedIn or SNVCC’s Facebook page. The Desert Dogs will recognize Las Vegas Heroes in the community throughout the game. The Las Vegas NLL team will also provide free Wayne Gretzky Desert Dog Jerseys to the first 3500 fans.