ST. LOUIS – The "kaw-kaws" were loud and proud at a watch party in Ballpark Village as the St. Louis Battlehawks took on the Houston Roughnecks in Texas and brought home a win. Right off the heels of the Cardinals Home Opener, fans traveled downtown once again to show off their team spirit and enjoy the game on the big screen. "Just coming out here, having a good time, supporting the Battlehawks," said Battlehawks fan Taurin Brandon. Hearing the cheers and the groans, one thing is clear: the Battlehawks are bringing the people of St. Louis together to enjoy an experience as a community.
The Battlehawks faced the Roughnecks in the UFL regular-season opener on March 29, 2025, marking a significant moment for both teams. This matchup not only represents the start of the new season but also highlights the ongoing enthusiasm for football in St. Louis. Despite the city losing its NFL team, the Rams, to Los Angeles after the 2015 season, the Battlehawks have emerged as a beacon of hope for local fans.
Fans gathered at Ballpark Village in droves, showcasing their unwavering support for the Battlehawks. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation as spectators cheered for their team. The watch party served as a reminder that St. Louis remains a passionate football city, eager for the return of the NFL.
One of the most notable changes for the Battlehawks this season is the quarterback position. A.J. McCarron, who had been a staple for the team for the last two seasons, was cut in November 2024. McCarron expressed his frustration with the way the decision was communicated, stating, "My phone must not work anymore to let me know when this was actually going down." Now, Manny Wilkins steps into the spotlight as the new quarterback for the Battlehawks.
Wilkins, who is taking over the reins, brings a fresh perspective to the team. With McCarron's departure, fans are eager to see how Wilkins will perform in the UFL, especially in such a critical opener against the Roughnecks. The pressure is on for Wilkins to lead the team effectively and build upon the foundation laid by his predecessor.
The Battlehawks' loyal fan base has been a significant factor in their success. Last season, the team boasted impressive attendance numbers, averaging over 34,000 fans per game. In their first home game of the 2024 season, they recorded a staggering 40,317 fans at The Dome at America's Center, showcasing the city's commitment to supporting football.
To put this into perspective, the combined attendance for the home openers of three other UFL teams—the Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats, and DC Defenders—was only 31,318 fans. This stark contrast highlights the fervent support the Battlehawks enjoy, further solidifying their position as a cornerstone of St. Louis sports culture.
Throughout the 2024 season, the Battlehawks continued to draw impressive crowds, with their lowest turnout being 31,757 fans during a Week 4 game against the Showboats, which they won 32-17. Over five home games, the Battlehawks averaged an impressive 34,365 fans per game, far exceeding the attendance figures of other teams in the league. The Defenders, for instance, averaged only 14,143 fans per game, a staggering 20,000 fewer than the Battlehawks.
Overall, the Battlehawks attracted over 171,000 fans throughout the last season, demonstrating that St. Louis is more than ready to support any football team that chooses to call it home. The enthusiasm surrounding the Battlehawks raises an interesting question: Could St. Louis accommodate another NFL team in the future?
While the city has the infrastructure and fanbase to support an NFL franchise, the decision ultimately rests with the league and its commissioner, Roger Goodell. Given the past conflicts between the city and the NFL, particularly with Rams owner Stan Kroenke, it may take some time before the NFL considers returning to St. Louis.
As the Battlehawks kick off their new UFL season, they are set to face the Houston Roughnecks on March 29, 2025, and their first home game this season will be against the San Antonio Brahmas on April 6. Fans are hopeful that the team will build on its past successes and continue to foster the strong community spirit that has become synonymous with Battlehawks football.
In conclusion, the St. Louis Battlehawks are more than just a football team; they represent the heart and soul of a city eager to embrace its football heritage once again. With a new quarterback at the helm and a passionate fanbase behind them, the Battlehawks are poised to make waves in the UFL and keep the spirit of football alive in St. Louis.
