The Iroquois Nationals will host the 2015 Federation of International Lacrosse World Indoor Lacrosse Championships at Tsha’Hon’nonyen’dakhwa’ Onondaga Nation Arena in Nedrow, N.Y., and First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y., the team announced Wednesday.

The event will last six days in September 2015. It’s expected to bring in about 300 athletes and 15,000 fans, which will result in approximately $4 million in local travel spending, according to a press release.

“We are pleased that the Federation of International Lacrosse selected the Iroquois Nationals to host this prestigious event,” Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said in the release. “The Onondaga Nation is an integral part of our community and we welcome the opportunity to show people from all over the world what Central New York has to offer.”

The World Championships take place every four years, and the 2015 tournament will be the fourth tournament. It will mark the first time any international sporting event is held on indigenous grounds.

Pool play and the quarterfinals of the tournament will be held at the Onondaga Nation Arena, which seats 3,000 people. The remaining rounds will take place at the First Niagara Center, home of the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League. The Buffalo Sabres of the NHL also play at the venue.

The Bandits were first in the NLL in attendance in 2012 with 15,918 fans per game.

“The Buffalo Bandits are extremely pleased to be chosen as co-host of WILC 2015 along with the Onondaga Nation,” said Scott Loffler, director of lacrosse operations of the Buffalo Bandits, in the release. “Western New York and Southern Ontario has a strong and passionate following when it comes to indoor lacrosse and we are excited to show that off to the lacrosse world.

“We look forward to working in conjunction with the Iroquois Nationals to make this event successful and a positive experience for all involved.”

The FIL was formed in 2008 in a merger of the men’s and women’s international lacrosse associations.

About 10 to 12 nations will participate in the event. Canada won the gold medal at the 2011 championships held in Prague. Australia, Czech Republic, England, Ireland and Slovakia all competed. The U.S. won the bronze medal.

Israel, Thailand and Turkey — all new FIL members — have also expressed interest in participating, according to the release.

The event will be one to remember thanks to the Bandits organization and the historical significance, said Onondaga Faithkeeper Oren Lyons on behalf of the Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs.

“The Onondaga Nation is extremely proud to host the international lacrosse community and is looking forward to a successful and first-class event,” Lyons said.

Published on September 6, 2012 at 1:53 am

Contact Chris: cjiseman@syr.edu | @chris_iseman