The UFL attracted an impressive 45,918 fans during its season-opening weekend, despite competition from major sports events like the NCAA basketball tournaments, MLB games, and the Easter holiday. The league emerged from a merger of the USFL and XFL and managed to draw more fans than the XFL’s opener last season.
The first set of games featured several exciting matchups. In front of 14,153 fans at Choctaw Stadium in Texas, the Arlington Renegades defeated the Birmingham Stallions 27-14. At Ford Field in Detroit, the Michigan Panthers hosted the St. Louis Battlehawks and won 18-16 in front of 9,444 fans. The San Antonio Brahmas beat the D.C. Defenders 27-12 in front of 13,164 fans at the Alamodome while Memphis Showboats earned an 18-12 victory over Houston Roughnecks in front of 9,157 fans at Rice Stadium.
Despite opening at different times, all four teams drew impressive crowds that exceeded expectations for a new league with limited marketing budgets and resources. Fans were eager to see new talent on display and experience a fresh take on spring football. As the season progresses and more teams join the league, we can expect even more excitement on and off the field.
