The United States Football League’s inaugural season is finally upon us, and Birmingham plays a very big role in the exciting new concept’s first year. Every game during the USFL’s 2022 season will be played in the Magic City’s latest wonder, the new Protective Stadium, in a rejuvenated Uptown Entertainment District. The season opens today with the hometown Birmingham Stallions taking on the New Jersey Generals at 6:30pm. Gates open at 4:30pm and there will be a firework celebration after the game. There will also be three USFL games, along with an Easter Egg hunt on Sunday at Protective Stadium.
What is the USFL?
The nation’s newest league is already setting itself apart from football concepts of the past (even those with similar names) with their innovative approach to the game. The 8-team conception includes the Stallions and Generals, along with the Houston Gamblers, Michigan Panthers, New Orleans Breakers, Philadelphia Stars, Tampa Bay Bandits, and Pittsburg Maulers. In addition to having some of the best names in football, these teams now have a medley of all-star mascots to help bring on the cheer. The USFL keeps many of the same rules the football lovers associate with the game, but throws in some fun variables like the ability to go for 3 points in addition to the normal 1 and 2 point options. The Spring football league is full of surprises in the best of ways.
Another unique aspect of this league, at least during the first year of its formation, is the “bubble”-type setup that was first mastered by the NBA in 2020. Fortunately for Birminghamians, this means that every game of the 2022 USFL season will be played in the Magic City. That means we have top players and coaches calling our city home during the upcoming months, and Birmingham seems more ready than ever for such a calling. In addition to nonstop football (which is every Alabamians dream), we are sure to see a rise in local businesses being frequented over these next few months.
Who are the Birmingham Stallions?
While all 8 USFL teams will call the Magic City home this year, only one gets to put Birmingham on their jerseys. The Stallions are a formidable team led by Head Coach and General Manager Skip Holtz, who will work with Quarterback Alex McGough and the rest of this Magic City team to bring back football glory to our beloved community. Justice Powers brings some hometown fun to the equation, as the Tackle spent his college years at UAB. This team is full of exciting players however, and it’s sure to be a thrill watching them take on the USFL opponents right in the heart of the Magic City each week.
Elevating the Magic City
One thing is for sure about the USFL and our Stallions - they’ve put a spotlight on the Magic City. Birmingham is more ready for this moment than we ever have before. The seats from Progressive, which have already seen games played by city favorites like UAB football and the Birmingham Legion, showcase a city skyline and a thriving downtown. Our city’s growth has been a point of pride for many, and that’s certainly on display this weekend.
Welcome to Birmingham, USFL! We are certainly happy to have you.
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