LOS ANGELES – July 23, 2024 – The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster today announced it will host the 29th annual Battle of the Badges lacrosse game between the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Saturday, September 7th, at 2:00 PM ET. 

The exhibition game will take place before the 2024 PLL Cash App Semifinals at Hofstra University, active-duty personnel from the NYPD and FDNY lacrosse teams will compete in honor of first responders and their families ahead of the anniversary of the tragic events on September 11, 2001. 

“We’re honored to host this storied matchup between the NYPD and FDNY, and tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our communities,” said Mike Rabil, co-founder and CEO of the Premier Lacrosse League. “The bravery, teamwork, and resolve these heroes display day in and day out are an inspiration, and we can’t wait to see their skill and athleticism on display at the Battle of the Badges game.”

"The NYPD vs. FDNY Men’s Lacrosse game on 9/11 weekend symbolizes remembrance and solidarity, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve,” said Phil Schaefer Detective, Queens Warrant Squad, NYPD. “It brings together two community pillars in a tribute to the spirit of unity and resilience born from that tragic day."

"The FDNY vs. NYPD Men's Lacrosse game holds a special significance as we honor the memory of 9/11. It is an opportunity to unite, reflect, and elevate the spirit of the sport to new heights,” said FF Sean Johnson, Engine 308, FDNY. “It is a privilege to be wearing the letters FDNY across our chest, representing the best fire department in the world. As we represent those we lost on that tragic day, to be out on that field, we will never forget the men and women who went before us. It truly is an honor."

“The NYPD Lacrosse team was started and run by Ronald Kloepfer and Joseph Vigiano. Both tragically lost their lives on 9/11/2001. We play this game to carry on their memory and play for those moments you can’t get back for a cause bigger than ourselves,” said Nick Mancuso, Detective, Criminal Intel Section, NYPD and NYPD Lacrosse player. “This year’s Battle of the Badges will honor the sacrifice made by all that lost their lives that tragic day, as we continue to keep the memory of all of those brave men and women alive.”

Tickets for the Battle of the Badges and the 2024 PLL Cash App Playoffs Semifinals are available now https://premierlacrosseleague.com/semifinals, with free tickets available for first responders. Each ticket grants admission to the Battle of the Badges game, and both PLL Semifinal matchups. 

The 2024 PLL Season continues in San Diego July 27 and 28 when the California Redwoods come home to Torero Stadium. To view the full PLL schedule and purchase tickets, visit www.premierlacrosseleague.com/schedule.

About the Premier Lacrosse League

The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster is a men’s professional lacrosse league in North America, composed of eight teams rostered by the best players in the world. Co-founded by lacrosse superstar, philanthropist, and investor Paul Rabil and his brother, serial entrepreneur and investor, Mike Rabil, the PLL is backed by an investment group composed of Joe Tsai Sports, The Chernin Group, Arctos Sports Partners, Brett Jefferson Holdings, The Raine Group, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Kraft Group, Bolt Capital and other top investors in sports and media. The PLL is distributed through an exclusive media rights agreement with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+. The PLL was named 2023 Best Place to Work in Sports, and 2020 Sports Breakthrough by the Sports Business Journal, and recognized as a 2021 Best Employer in Sports by  Front Office Sports. For more on the league, visit www.premierlacrosseleague.com and follow on social media: Instagram (@PLL), Twitter (@PremierLacrosse), Facebook (@PremierLacrosseLeague), YouTube (YouTube.com/PLL) and TikTok (@pll).