Roses 2023 will see Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse playing the opening ceremony fixture for the first time. Not only is this the first Roses competition to be kicked off by lacrosse, but also by both a Men’s and Women’s fixture.
Tickets and merchandise for the event are set to go on sale soon, and the opening ceremony is set to be played on the athletics track at the York Sport Centre.
Sports will not be the only talent on display at Roses 2023, as the Opening Ceremony plans to commence the proceedings in style. Past ceremonies have featured a series of performances by student groups, as well as talks from VIP guest speakers such as Game of Thrones actor Mark Addy.
Roses 2023 aims to be bigger and better in all aspects, with over 50 fixtures taking place across the city and campus, a Spectator Hub, offerings of food and drink, and activities raising funds for Survive, this year’s charity partner supporting victims of sexual violence.
The ticketed event will take place across the weekend of 28 to 30 April, with the equestrian event happening slightly earlier on 19 April, and both rowing and cross country following soon after on 22 April.
Franki Riley, York Sport Union President, passed comment on lacrosse opening Roses 2023, stating that it “has been months in the making”, and will be “an Opening Ceremony of firsts – the first time lacrosse has been chosen to play, and the first time a double header format has been used”.
Franki elaborated upon her anticipation and excitement for the “very intentional decisions”, as she “passionately believe[s] in giving women’s sport the platform it so rightfully deserves”, and the best way of doing so “is through bringing men’s and women’s sports together”.
Regarding Lacrosse, Franki believes that “The Lacrosse Club are so deserving of this recognition” and “are doing absolutely phenomenal work across sport at this university”, urging the crowd to “come and cheer them on at this year’s Opening Ceremony”. The excitement is however only just beginning, with Franki teasing “many surprises and details that [she] can’t wait for everyone to experience” still to come.
Lacrosse also commented on their opening of the event, stating that they are “delighted to be chosen as the Opening Ceremony this year.” Having won three out of four matches last year, they intend “for a clean sweep this year in front of a home crowd”. Not only aspiring for “a double win to kick off the tournament”, the lacrosse team also look forward “to showcasing our sport on a large platform such as Roses”, whilst sending home the message “that roses really are white”.
