SUN, 2/22
Lacrosse is the hot ticket in Colorado.
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Despite being the new kid on the block, professional lacrosse has really scored in this town. It doesn't hurt that the second-year franchise, the Colorado Mammoth, keeps winning and sits at the top of the National Lacrosse League's Western Division standings. One reason the sport has grabbed an audience is that players must shoot for the goal within thirty seconds of each possession, so there's plenty of scoring. The game also appeals to fans with its "sudden death" format.
Because of the team's top status, we get to host today's NLL All-Star Game at the Pepsi Center. Ruling the league also means that the 2004 Western division all-star team will be heavy with Mammoth talent. Three of the six starters -- the players are chosen by a combination of fans, managers, media and coaches -- will be from the Colorado lineup. Those taking the turf will be forwards Gary Gait (also the all-time NLL leading scorer), Gavin Prout and goalie Gee Nash. For good measure, Mammoth coach Jamie Batley will direct the squad. And in another hometown plus, Mammoth defensemen Jay Jalbert and Jamie Hanford will stand by as reserves.
The game starts at 4 p.m., but true fans will want to be at the arena for the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Showdown between the University of Colorado and Colorado State, which begins at 11:30 a.m., and for the All-Star Skills Competition, at 1:30 p.m. Tickets, $7 to $40, are available at the Pepsi Center box office, at 303-830-TIXS, or at www.ticketmaster.com. -- Catalina Soltero
Peak Peeks
Banff film festival gets viewers outside
MON, 2/23
An avalanche of thirteen films from last November's annual adventure-film festival in Banff, Canada, will land in Boulder tonight and tomorrow night as part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. "We have it all -- everything from kayaking and climbing to biking and skiing," says Lisa Myklak, marketing manager for Mountain Sports Boulder, a tour sponsor. "We usually get a wide variety of people out to see the films, everyone from hard-core mountaineers to people who just enjoy watching travel films and documentaries."
Mountain climbing and biking will be showcased in tonight's High Life, Eiger North Face: In the Footsteps of Its First Climbers and Self Titled, while tomorrow's selections include Edge Dancing: A Journey Across Siberia and Front Range Freaks: Dirty Bird (Derek Hersey).
Screenings start at 7:30 p.m. at the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street in Boulder. For tickets, $13, call 1-800-558-6770 or go to www.mountainsportsboulder.com or www.bouldertheater.com. Advance purchase is recommended. -- Julie Dunn
