Lacrosse is experiencing a significant resurgence. In 2023, over 1.2 million individuals actively participated in the sport across the U.S., marking a substantial increase from previous years. This growth isn't confined to traditional strongholds; the number of countries with organized lacrosse programs has expanded from 16 in 2003 to 85 by 2023.
Understanding when the lacrosse season starts is crucial for players planning their training, coaches organizing team development, and fans eager to follow the action. However, the season's start date isn't uniform - it varies based on the level of play and geographic location.
High school teams in warmer states often begin earlier than those in colder regions. Collegiate programs adhere to NCAA guidelines, while professional leagues like the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and National Lacrosse League (NLL) have their own distinct schedules. Being informed about these timelines ensures everyone involved can stay ahead of the game.
Lacrosse season typically kicks off in the early spring and wraps up by early summer. For most players, that means a competitive window stretching from February to June. However, the exact timeline depends heavily on the level of play and where the games are being held.
In the U.S., high school and youth lacrosse schedules often align with the school year and regional climate. Warmer states may begin practices and scrimmages as early as late January. Colder regions, especially in the Northeast and Midwest, usually push opening day into March.
At the college level, both men’s and women’s programs follow the NCAA calendar, which usually starts in February and ends in May. The professional lacrosse schedule differs entirely - running into the summer or even late fall depending on the league.
Lacrosse doesn’t operate under a single governing body for all levels, so scheduling can differ widely. Youth leagues, for example, often follow local park district or club timelines. Public high schools answer to state athletic associations, which may impose blackout periods, mandatory preseason limits, or weather delays.
Collegiate programs are subject to NCAA restrictions, including limited offseason practice windows and caps on scrimmage dates. Professional leagues like the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and National Lacrosse League (NLL) build their calendars around media contracts, player availability, and arena bookings. PLL’s field lacrosse games are played outdoors in the summer, while the NLL’s box lacrosse season runs indoors from December through June.
Each variation reflects the structure of the organization, the format of play—field vs. box lacrosse, and the climate in which games are held. Understanding these distinctions helps players and fans stay aligned with key lacrosse season dates no matter where or how the game is being played.
High school lacrosse season usually kicks off in late February or early March and wraps up by May or early June. The official start date varies depending on the state athletic association. Some programs start conditioning and preseason scrimmages in February, while others wait until snow melts and fields open up.
The end of the season usually lines up with regional or state championships, most of which take place before schools let out for summer break. For players hoping to get scouted or make all-state teams, showing up strong from day one is key.
High school lacrosse follows a fairly predictable rhythm, but each phase of the season brings its own intensity:
Top programs also compete in invitational tournaments or rivalry matchups that carry weight beyond the scoreboard.
Start dates and season length depend heavily on geography. In southern states like Florida, Texas, or California, teams often hit the field weeks ahead of their northern counterparts.
Warmer weather means earlier practices, more turf access, and longer seasons. In places like New York, Massachusetts, or Minnesota, snow and frozen fields can push start dates deep into March, shrinking the regular season and tightening the playoff window.While the official season happens in spring, serious players stay active all year. Many participate in fall ball leagues or winter box lacrosse to keep their stick skills sharp. Others train with private coaches, join travel teams, or attend skill clinics during the off-season.
Conditioning also plays a major role. Fall strength programs and winter agility work help athletes hit the spring ready to compete, not just play. For those aiming to play in college, year-round development is no longer optional. It’s expected.Most men’s college lacrosse programs begin their official season in early February, with regular season games running through mid-May. Conference tournaments typically take place in late April, setting the stage for the NCAA Tournament, which wraps up with the championship game over Memorial Day weekend.
Programs compete in both conference and non-conference matchups. Top-ranked teams often schedule early-season games against other national contenders, helping them climb the rankings before playoff seeding begins. While the official schedule runs just a few months, the level of competition is intense from start to finish.Women’s programs follow a nearly identical calendar. Most teams kick off in February and close the season in May. Like their male counterparts, they compete in a mix of conference and non-conference games, followed by league playoffs and the NCAA Women’s Championship.
The top women's programs, especially those in Division I, often mirror the same competitive intensity found on the men's side. Many play over 15 regular season games before the postseason begins.The biggest event on the college lacrosse calendar is the NCAA Championship Weekend, held every year over Memorial Day. The men's semifinals and finals draw massive crowds, often filling professional football stadiums. Women’s Division I, II, and III championships are held the same weekend, sometimes at different locations.
Each tournament includes 16–29 teams depending on the division, with automatic bids going to conference champions and at-large bids determined by selection committees.Even though the official college lacrosse season runs from February to May, most programs stay active during the fall. Coaches use Fall Ball to test new players, experiment with lineups, and build chemistry before the spring.
Fall Ball includes scrimmages, team practices, and sometimes showcase events or tournaments. While games don’t count toward rankings, they’re a critical part of team development, especially for freshmen and transfers getting used to the system.The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) season usually starts in June and runs through September. Games are played across multiple cities in a tour-based model, which sets it apart from traditional home-and-away schedules. Each weekend features a slate of matchups in a new location, drawing crowds from across the country.
Teams compete for playoff seeding throughout the summer, with the championship held in early fall. The league’s format keeps fans engaged week after week, every game matters, and every weekend has something at stake.The National Lacrosse League (NLL) season looks completely different. It’s played indoors and follows a box lacrosse format. Teams usually begin play in December, with the regular season stretching into late spring. Games take place inside NHL and NBA arenas, which allows the schedule to run straight through winter, unaffected by weather.
The NLL features a more traditional league setup, with franchises based in major North American cities. Regular season standings determine playoff matchups, and the road to the NLL Cup can extend well into June.Every lacrosse fan should circle a few major dates on the calendar:
Professional players don’t take much time off. Once the season ends, most shift their focus to recovery, strength training, and refining technical skills. Many participate in club tournaments, run youth clinics, or coach at the college level.
Others use the off-season to stay sharp by competing in winter box leagues or international tournaments. Conditioning remains a top priority. Maintaining elite-level performance means treating the off-season like preseason, it’s a window to gain an edge, not just rest.Most youth lacrosse programs run from March through early June, lining up with the school calendar and local weather. Spring is the core season for kids just getting started, club players developing foundational skills, and teams competing in local leagues.
Games often start in early April, with practices beginning a few weeks earlier. Some leagues schedule weekend tournaments or weekday games depending on field availability and age level.Once spring wraps, many families shift into summer lacrosse. Travel teams and summer leagues offer more competitive play, giving players a chance to face stronger opponents and gain exposure outside their region.
Summer is also prime time for lacrosse camps. Some focus on individual skill development, while others operate like mini boot camps, mixing drills, scrimmages, and conditioning. Many college programs host their own camps, which can double as early recruiting touchpoints for middle school and high school athletes.Youth players don’t have to wait for spring to get back on the field. Fall leagues are popular among players who want to stay active but keep a lighter schedule. Teams often play in shortened seasons or small-sided games that keep the pressure low but the pace fast.
When the weather turns cold, indoor lacrosse takes over. Box leagues and winter skills clinics offer high-rep environments where players can work on speed, stick handling, and decision-making. The smaller space forces quicker reads and sharper passing, skills that translate directly back to the outdoor game.Field lacrosse outside North America usually follows a spring-to-summer schedule, although exact start dates depend on the country. In the UK and Europe, club seasons often begin in April and run into August, overlapping with national team activities and regional tournaments.
Australia flips the calendar. Their main lacrosse season runs from May through September, aligning with the Southern Hemisphere’s cooler months. Many players from the U.S. head abroad to compete during the American off-season, gaining international experience while staying active year-round.Box lacrosse isn’t as widespread globally, but it’s growing. In Canada, it’s considered the national summer sport. Youth and senior box leagues run from April to August, while junior programs typically start a little earlier. Indoor box leagues in countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, and Israel have popped up in recent years, often modeling their seasons on the NLL’s December-to-June structure.
As box lacrosse gains popularity, more nations are adopting hybrid schedules that allow players to compete in both field and indoor formats across the calendar year.The biggest event in global lacrosse is the World Lacrosse Championship, held every four years. National teams from across the globe compete for the top spot in both men’s and women’s divisions. The most recent men’s championship, hosted by San Diego in 2023, featured over 30 national teams and drew global attention to the sport’s expansion.
Other major events include:These tournaments often fall outside traditional league calendars, making summer the busiest stretch for international play. For players chasing a national team spot, staying ready year-round isn’t optional, it’s the baseline.
Lacrosse players can’t afford to wait for the season to start before getting serious. Training schedules should align with the first day of practice, not react to it. Most coaches expect players to show up game-ready, not just warming up.
Start ramping up intensity about 6–8 weeks before tryouts. That window allows for focused strength training, stick work, and speed development. Don’t forget rest days, they’re just as important when it comes to injury prevention and long-term gains.In lacrosse, geography matters. Teams in California, Texas, and Florida can practice on grass in January. Programs in the Northeast or Midwest often face snow-covered fields and indoor restrictions deep into March.
Those conditions impact everything, conditioning, game timing, and readiness. Northern teams may cram more games into shorter windows, while southern programs can ease into the season with more scrimmages and outdoor reps.Every level of lacrosse has its own timeline, but some dates always matter:
Opening Weekend: Varies, but often falls in early March for scholastic teams and June for PLL.
Conference or State Playoffs: Mid-to-late May.
Championship Events: Memorial Day Weekend (NCAA), June (high school/state), September (PLL).
Parents, coaches, and players should plan travel and training around those markers. Summer showcases and recruiting camps also fill up fast - registering early keeps you in the mix.
COVID-19 reshaped how the lacrosse calendar works. Seasons were canceled, delayed, or shortened across every level. Some states still operate with adjusted practice periods and game limits. College recruiting also shifted, with more digital film reviews and fewer live evaluations.
While most programs have returned to full seasons, flexibility remains essential. Players should stay in shape year-round and be ready to adapt if timelines shift. Clubs and schools now keep backup plans in place, knowing how quickly things can change.High school lacrosse season usually starts in late February or early March, depending on state rules and weather conditions. Warmer regions may begin earlier, while colder states often delay until mid-March.
The college lacrosse season begins in early February and ends in late May, culminating in the NCAA Championship over Memorial Day weekend. Both men’s and women’s programs follow the same general timeline.
The PLL season runs from June to September. The NLL season starts in December and finishes in June, with regular season games followed by playoffs.
Lacrosse is primarily a spring sport across high school, college, and youth levels. Fall is used for off-season training, scrimmages, and skill development.
Field lacrosse is played outdoors and scheduled during spring and summer to avoid weather disruptions. Box lacrosse is played indoors, so seasons can run through fall and winter without interference from snow or rain.
