The Buffalo Bandits could very well be one of the longest running professional sports teams in North America that you haven’t yet heard of, unless you’re a fan of box lacrosse.

Chris Swenson has been part of the Bandits organization for 25 years as the team’s P. A. announcer.

The Buffalo News:  PA voice Swenson builds excitement for Bandits

“I think he’s the best PA man in the league,” said Scott Lofler, the director of lacrosse operations for the Bandits.  “I may be biased, but I think he may be the best in sports.  There aren’t many guys who can get a crowd so excited.”

Swenson got his start with the Buffalo Sabres working in game operations prior to the Bandits arrival.  He took the role as P. A. announcer after being asked by Stan Makowski, even though he knew nothing of lacrosse and feared that the citizens of Buffalo would be oblivious to the organization.

Lacrosse has a few hotbeds across North America, and Western New York is one of them.  A lot of good lacrosse players come out of the cold-weather climate and that helped the early success in the stands as the team played in front of sellout crowds at The Aud.

Take a read of the linked feature above to hear more about Swenson, how he got to where he is and learn a few things from a pro sports P. A. announcer.

Featured photo by Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News