The Bandettes at the NLL All-Star Game

Members of Lauren B's line signing autographs

Carissa and Melissa

Lauren K and Stephanie C

The 11th NLL All-Star Game finally made its way to Buffalo Saturday night in front of the most passionate fans in the NLL and those in attendance were treated to a close game that ended with the West coming out on top by a score of 20-18 after the East had held onto a strong lead throughout the 1st half. Like other All-Star Games, this game pitted the best players in the league against each other. Unlike the Pro Bowl, which is held at a neutral site and features the top cheerleaders from each team in the NFL, the NLL All-Star Game, when held at the home of one of the league's teams, features that team's dance squad. In this year's case, it was the Buffalo Bandettes, long recognized as one of the very best in the NLL. In advance of this game, the Bandettes got their posters made up and, when fans came into the game, the girls were autographing and handing them out to fans from as far away as Everett, Washington, home of the Washington Stealth.
When I got there, I started checking out the Fan Fest festivities, which included a wing-eating contest conducted by Bull from 103.3 The Edge while the Bandettes were on the field putting the finishing touches on a few performances. Before too long though, the Bandettes made their way up to the 100 level and started greeting the fans with posters, smiles, autographs, and photo ops. Afterwards, and while Kirsten's line was taking a circuit around the concourse, I headed down to my seat to get set to watch the top players in the NLL square off. With a few weeks away from the game, the Bandettes had time to put together not one, but two brand new performances which they put on display in pregame and at 1st intermission.

Stephanie C, Stephanie O, Lauren K, Kirsten, and Noelle
about to welcome the NLL All-Stars to the floor

Stephanie O "The Champ" celebrating an East goal

Captains Kirsten and Lauren B

Stephanie O, Krista, Melissa, Alicia, and Chelsea in action at halftime

See all the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/4771

Next up for the Bandettes, it's back to regular season action as the Bandits play host to the Colorado Mammoth next Saturday night. Faceoff is at 7:30 but be sure to show up before 7 to be sure to get your Bandettes posters and get them signed by the 18-member squad of the hottest dance team in the NLL!