USA Today Sports and lacrosse events group 3d Lacrosse are teaming to stage a youth tournament that will see club teams from 16 markets in four age groups -- 8th-11th grade -- competing in “The Great State Showdown.” The event, which will showcase some of the country's top high-school lacrosse players, will be held at Lehigh Univ. during the first weekend of August and include club teams from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Long Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Colorado, California, Illinois, Oregon/Washington, Ohio, Texas and upstate New York. USA Today Sports Group is selling sponsorships, including a $350,000 presenting sponsor package, and a handful of official partners. USA Today Sports Media Group VP/Properties & Partnerships John Von Stade said he is looking at the insurance, financial services, and hotel categories for potential partners. As part of the partnership, 3d Lacrosse will also work with USA Today High to help determine its weekly Super 25 rankings of the top boys and girls high school lacrosse programs and in the selection of its All-USA teams for boys and girls.
