The month of February — other than the Super Bowl — is a rather dull month in the world of sports. Except in 2020.
On Feb. 22, the San Diego Seals and Vancouver Warriors pro lacrosse teams will suit up for the first-ever professional sports event held on an active U.S. Marine base.
The teams will play a regular season game on the runway of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the very setting for the blockbuster 1986 movie, “Top Gun.”
The game, dubbed “Rumble on the Runway,” will take place in a $250,000 temporary arena in front of 4,000 to 4,500 active-duty military personnel, reservists, veterans and Seals season ticket holders.
“With more than 100,000 active-duty military personnel calling San Diego home, we are forever grateful for their commitment to protecting our freedom, this city and this great country,” said Seals president Steve Govett. “This game, and the events surrounding it, are a way for us to say ‘thank you’ to them and their families for their service.”
Ahead of the match, Seals players will take part in various events to give back to the local military community.
“MCAS Miramar has a deeply rooted relationship with the San Diego community,” said Col. Charles Dockery, commanding officer, MCAS Miramar. “We strive to be outstanding neighbors to our fellow San Diegans by working hand in hand with them every chance we get. Miramar is grateful to host our San Diegan neighbors for Rumble on the Runway right here on the flight line.”
The Seals are only in their second season as a National Lacrosse League expansion team, but in their short time, they’ve developed a nice relationship with the backbone of the city. And that speaks louder than any win-lose record could.
Let’s make some history. February 22, 2020, we’re playing on the flight line at MCAS Miramar. Rumble on the Runway! pic.twitter.com/8BWxS90tGv
— San Diego Seals (@SealsLax) December 16, 2019