STONY BROOK, N.Y. — Stony Brook University will be the center of the professional lacrosse world in mid-June.

The Premier Lacrosse League on Tuesday announced it will play three games at 12,300-seat Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on the university's campus June 12-13, including a nationally televised game on NBC that Saturday at 4 p.m.

"We are ecstatic to be coming back to New York and expanding our reach to the rabid lacrosse fan base on Long Island," PLL co-founder and CEO Mike Rabil said. "Long Island has always been a hotbed for the sport, and nearly a third of our players were born and raised in the area. We want to make this weekend an unforgettable homecoming for them.

"The university has also been gracious enough to provide a standout venue that will give fans in the area an experience they won't forget. We can't wait to see if this is the next sellout venue for us. Long Island fans have a history of showing up for lacrosse."

The announcement is particularly exciting for a pair of PLL players on the Stony Brook men's lacrosse staff.

Mike Chanenchuk is a midfielder for the PLL's Whipsnakes, while fellow Seawolves assistant coach Tommy Kelly is a faceoff specialist for the Chaos.

Chanenchuk was voted by his peers as the 11th-ranked player in the PLL in December.
 
The PLL will announce the matchups for the three games at LaValle Stadium at a later date. 
 
The June 12 game will be televised by NBC Gold at 7 p.m. The following day, NBC will carry the 4 p.m. game and NBCSN will televise the 6:30 p.m. game.

"Coming back to Stony Brook to play with the PLL is an unreal experience for me," said Chanenchuk, an East Setauket native. "Growing up in the area and now coaching at Stony Brook, it all comes together. Coming up as a youth player and now coaching in the college ranks and then to play here professionally is very exciting."

Stony Brook becomes the third venue announced for the 2020 PLL season, joining Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., and Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Atlanta.

Remaining 2020 locations will be announced over the next few months.

"The game of lacrosse is a vibrant and visible part of the Long Island landscape, and we are beyond excited to welcome the PLL to Stony Brook this summer," Stony Brook director of athletics Shawn Heilbron said. "The PLL features some of the most talented lacrosse players in the world while delivering a high-energy, community-focused weekend of events.

"This is a huge opportunity for Stony Brook and for all of Long Island to celebrate a sport that is so important to our region." 
 
 For ticket information, visit https://www.premierlacrosseleague.com/tickets.