(CBS4) DENVER Denver will host the first ever combine for the National Lacrosse League the weekend of August 31 followed by this year’s lacrosse draft on September 1.

“A combine is basically an evaluation for the talent,” explained Colorado Mammoth assistant general manager Bill Hall. He stopped by CBS4 Morning News Saturday to talk about the event with anchors Ericka Lewis and Arturo Santiago.

That means the best college players from the United States and Canada will be in Denver this week.

“It is my responsibility to entice primarily the American players to Denver and it will give us an opportunity to evaluate that talent,” Hall said.

Those players arrive on Thursday and Friday the public can watch them in action. The combine match is set for 6 p.m. at Pepsi Center. It’s free.

The public can also attend the draft which is Saturday also at Pepsi Center.

Hall said the fact Denver is hosting both events shows just how popular lacrosse is.

“It’s the fastest growing high school sport in the country, and it’s probably the fastest growing sport in the state of Colorado as well.”

Hall credited the style of play with the popularity of lacrosse.

“Kids have sort of taken to the hard action, the fast pace. It’s a great combination of hockey and basketball, the hitting of football and it’s really fun.”