The Buffalo Bandits are preparing to start their new season with a banner-raising ceremony at the KeyBank Center on Saturday night, celebrating their third consecutive National Lacrosse League (NLL) championship. The event will precede their opening game against the Georgia Swarm.
The origins of professional box lacrosse in North America date back to 1986 when entrepreneurs Chris Fritz and Russ Cline founded the Eagle Pro Box League, which later evolved into the Major Indoor Lacrosse League and eventually became the NLL in 1997. Buffalo joined as an expansion franchise in October 1991, after multiple proposals from local promoters and Sabres executives were initially rejected by league leadership.
Head coach John Tavares commented on the team’s preparation following a recent preseason victory over Georgia: “I thought a lot of guys showed me what I wanted to see. Whether it’s for them to be on the practice roster, the dressing roster, or just on the roster itself.” He noted that while most of last year’s roster remains intact, there are some changes due to departures: “We’re pretty much the same team as last year, except three of the guys that are missing in Fraser, Cloutier, and the retirement of Justin Martin. I like what we have, but it’s going to open up the door for other players, and I’m looking forward to seeing what guys offer.”
Tavares also spoke about potential lineup adjustments during the season: “Depending on what bench we have, left and right-handed, who is jelling with whom for success for a particular group. I’m confident in playing any of the guys.”
Reflecting on Saturday’s banner-raising ceremony before facing Georgia Swarm, Tavares said: “It’s a huge night for the guys on the team last year, but it’s a massive boost for the visiting team trying to come out and quite the crowd as soon as possible. After the ceremony, we have to re-group very quickly.”
Tavares has been with Buffalo since its inception both as a player—where he set numerous records—and now as head coach. He described his coaching philosophy: “I’m working to put guys in roles where they feel confident and comfortable, and I want them to know I believe in them. I focus on placing them in positions where they can be successful. I don’t want them just setting picks and grabbing loose balls; I want them to be active participants in the offense.”
Public address announcer Chris Swenson has also been with Buffalo since its first game in January 1992. Swenson said about his connection with fans and players: “The fact that they treat my son, Brett, is a big piece of it for me, having him involved, this stage of my life. The makeup of the guys and their personalities, they are just good people.
“Just the way they embrace my son is really special – it’s not something you really see everywhere; it’s just a special group of guys, and it starts with Scott Loffler,” Swenson added.
This season brings several rule changes including reducing teams’ time for coach’s challenges from 35 seconds to 30 seconds. Another new regulation known informally as “Buffalo Soaking Rule” penalizes players who enter a goaltender’s circle to block shots with a two-minute minor penalty. Officials will also use an upgraded replay system that allows independent review using multiple camera angles.
All Bandits games will be broadcast on radio stations such as WBEN 930 AM—with pregame shows—and television coverage includes WIVB channel 4 locally along with ESPN+, NLL+, and TSN+. Saturday’s opener features a pregame banner-raising special starting at 7:15 pm across these platforms.
