The best lacrosse players in the world will put their talent on display in Denver on Thursday, July 17 when the 2008 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game comes to the Mile High City. The Western Conference-leading Denver Outlaws play host to the seventh annual all-star contest at 8 p.m. (MDT) at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

To kick off the two-day event, media are invited to the All-Star Game Media Party Wednesday, July 16 from 6-8 p.m. at ESPN Zone Denver (16th & Lawrence). The media party will feature all-star players from around the league available for interviews, a short highlight video and a question-and-answer session with league founder Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld.

Local lacrosse fans will see many of their favorite players in action at this year’s All-Star game as the Outlaws—with a league-best 6-2 record—placed a league-most eight players on the Western Conference roster.

Midfielder Brian Langtry, tied for the league lead in scoring (35 pts.), is joined by attackmen Ryan Powell and Brendan Mundorf; fellow midfielders Matt Hanna, Jeff Sonke and Benson Erwin; defenseman Lee Zink and goaltender Jesse Schwartzman to represent the Outlaws on the 19-man Western Conference roster. Outlaws head coach Brian Reese and his coaching staff will coach the West team.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 with Joe Beninati and Quint Kessenich calling the action, and will once again feature the popular Bud Light Skills Competition during halftime. Participants for the Skills Competition events will be announced at a later date.

Tickets to the All-Star Game are available beginning at just $10 for general admission through Ticketmaster, by calling 303-830-TIXS (8497) or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Group tickets are available by phone by calling 303-OUTLAWS.

Prior to the game on July 17 the Denver Outlaws will team up with Esurance, the team’s official “green” sponsor, and The Park People to plant trees in a special ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Sports Legends Mall on the south side of INVESCO Field at Mile High. Local youth lacrosse teams and volunteers will also join the effort to beautify the stadium’s surroundings for future generations.