By Tom Peace

For the first time in eight years Major League Lacrosse will be returning to Columbus, Ohio. MLL commissioner David Gross announced today the Long Island Lizards and the Chicago Machine will play at Columbus Crew Stadium July 10 at 7 p.m.

"It's a great thrill for the MLL to be back in Columbus," Gross said. "Crew Stadium was the home for the very first MLL summer showcase game back in 2000, as well as the site for our 2002 Championship Game. We have always viewed Columbus as a prime expansion market for the league and this game will be another important step in test marketing the region."

The 22,555-seat stadium is home to Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew.

"We are excited for the return of Major League Lacrosse to Columbus Crew Stadium," Columbus Crew president and general manager Mark McCullers said. "This event is a great addition to our diverse calendar of events and we look forward to hosting the lacrosse community of Central Ohio back to Columbus Crew Stadium."

The Machine and the Lizards met twice last season with Long Island winning both meetings.

Posted April 20, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.