PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2025
The 4th Annual Southwest Florida Shootout
Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse Event
West Point Black Knights vs The Mercer Bears in Naples in 2025
(NAPLES, Fla.) Feb. 4, 2025 – This will mark the 4th Southwest Florida Shootout lacrosse event and will feature another Division-I men’s lacrosse game at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex (PCSC) on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
This event isn’t just another lacrosse game – this year, the event will honor the military as the US Army’s West Point Black Knights take on Mercer University. More than just a lacrosse game, this occasion celebrates service, sportsmanship, and community spirit.
The Day’s Highlights include:
· Para-Commandos parachuting in with the game ball to the faceoff X
· Blackhawk helicopter flyover
· A Jimi Hendrix tribute performance of the National Anthem
· 12 noon – #12 Army West Point will take on Mercer University
· 60+ local military recruits to be sworn in by a US Army General at halftime on the field
· Interactive Military Village with over 10 military vehicles positioned on the midfield sideline
After the game, there will be a mini rock concert from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, showcasing the top rock band of Southwest Florida, “The Rock Republic”.
This will be an experience unlike any other.
West Point Black Knights Head Coach, Joe Alberici, “I know I speak for our players and the whole Army Lacrosse Family when I say we are absolutely thrilled to be part of the Southwest Florida Shootout. We are excited get down to Naples and work with the area youth lacrosse players and showcase to another part of the country what Army West Point Lacrosse is all about.”
University of Mercer’s Head Coach, Ryan Danehy, “Mercer is honored to be involved with such a great event. We have a lot of Florida ties from players/families to alumni and it’s always great to have an opportunity to play in areas we do so well in recruiting. It’s going to be an awesome event with great lacrosse, and we’re excited to compete in front of the Naples lacrosse community!”
Free Youth Clinic at the Paradise Sports Complex: Friday, February 21st – Army West Point and Mercer men’s lacrosse teams will host a Free Youth Clinic from 5:00-6:30pm. Participants will work with the teams and learn from the top players and coaching staffs in the country. Boys of all ages (mainly 12th grade down to 5th graders) should bring their helmets, sticks, and gloves.
For more information and ticketing details, visit SouthwestFloridaShootout.com.
Southwest Florida Shootout sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting: Tom Rotanz at (631) 255-4181 or tomrotanz@gmail.com
