Stix and Sunshine on Saturday

I'm going out on a limb here in weather-weary Maryland, but trust me --it will be sunny and bright when six of the top NCAA lacrosse programs visit M&T Bank Stadium for the 4th Annual Face-off Classic.

That's right.  There's still a mountain of slush in the outer parking lots (think of it as refrigeration for your tailgate beverages) but ample room for your first outdoor entertaining of the 2010 season. 

Lots open at 8:00 AM, which gives you plenty of time to fire up your grills before the 11:00 AM face-off between Maryland and Duke.  Princeton takes on Hopkins at 1:30 and, for the first time, Loyola and Notre Dame bring their traditional meeting to M&T at 4:00.

Inside Lacrosse promises lots of activities, giveaways, and attractions.  All I can offer is the sunshine. 

So bring your sticks and see how many snowmen you can level on Lot G.  It's going to be a great day to celebrate spring -- whether or not the groundhog agrees.