2024 UFL Football Stadiums-wbsnsports.com
Attention die-hard football fans. The opening weekend of the UFL was a successful touchdown.
There were many exciting plays; from a 58-yard fake field goal, that somehow turned into six-points, to a 64-yard game-winning field goal.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to give the UFL a watch, as it’s another merged league between the XFL and the USFL.
It is similar to the current NFL back in the 1970s with the AFL, when they merged into the very popular league we see today.
UFL Opening Weekend Games
The UFL opening weekend was great. It began this past Saturday, March 30 at 1:00 pm. It was a battle between the two-time defending USFL champion Birmingham Stallions and the reigning XFL champion Arlington Renegades.
Both teams were at the top of their leagues, therefore, it was time to battle it out to see which league would win.
UFL Opening Weekend, Game 1 (Birmingham Stallions at Arlington Renegades)
The Birmingham Stallions faced the Arlington Renegades at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The anticipated Champions from both leagues from last season drew an average rating of 1.2 million viewers on FOX.
The game turned out to be competitive, however, you could feel the pregame energy with Dwayne the Rock Johnson. After his monologue, he kicked off the season by closing out with, “Let’s ball out baby”.
The first half was very tight, as both teams went into the locker room tied at 11. I thought it would be competitive the rest of the way, nevertheless, the Stallions pulled away late and won over the Renegades 27-14.
UFL Opening Weekend, Game 2 (St. Louis Battlehawks at Michigan Panthers)
The St. Louis Battlehawks took on the Michigan Panthers at Ford Field, in Detroit, Michigan. They had a viewership of 1.4 million enjoying that match on FOX.
In the final seconds remaining, Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt booted a go-ahead field goal to put his team up 16-15. The Battlehawks looked like they would win their first game, but in other words, Michigan responded in a big way.
Panthers kicker Jake Bates hit an NFL-like game-winner from 64 yards to squeak out an upset win 18-16.
Prior to the season, the Panthers were only a +1200 betting odds to win the UFL title, however, it’s a whole new league. Nevertheless, the Panthers have a quarterback and a strong run game that they didn’t have last year.
UFL Opening Weekend, Sunday Games – Game 1 (DC Defenders at San Antonio Brahmas)
If you thought you knew the UFL opening weekend after Saturday, you hadn’t seen anything until the Sunday games.
The XFL runners-up in the D.C. Defenders faced the new-look San Antonio Brahmas led by head coach Wade Phillips and offensive coordinator A.J. Smith.
ESPN brought in 960,000 viewers who watched for the second day of completion which didn’t disappoint.
Both teams brought their talents to the Alamodome Dome to see who could get their first win.
The Michigan Panthers’ upset win was great on Saturday, however, the Brahmas were looking for even better.
The Brahmas ended the half with a fake 58-yard field goal pass from the punter, Brad Wing to the center, Alex Mollette for a late touchdown.
The Brahmas led 20-9 at the half.
The Defenders would make it an eight-point game with a field goal.
What appeared to be a touchdown nevertheless, was wiped out. The Brahmas challenged the play and won it.
To the San Antonio fan’s delight, the Brahmas won the challenge. The Brahmas sealed the game 27-12 with a short-yardage touchdown.
The Brahmas were also a +1200 betting odd to win the UFL title. With Phillips and a no-huddle offensive scheme by Brown, the Brahmas might be underestimated like the Michigan Panthers.
UFL Opening Weekend, Game 2 (Memphis Showboats at Houston Roughnecks)
The Memphis Showboats traveled to Rice Stadium to take on the Houston Roughnecks. An estimated 703,000 viewers were watching the game on ESPN while enjoying their Easter feast.
This showdown was a defensive struggle. The Memphis Showboats and the Houston Roughnecks’ defenses were stout at stopping the run.
Nonetheless, the Showboats dominated the first half with a passing attack led by Case Cookus and then led 15-3 after the first half.
The Roughnecks started to make a great comeback effort. Their defense only held the Showboats offensive to three points, giving their offense a shot. Houston kicked a late field goal and was trying to win the game late.
After that, the Showboats made one more stop on defense to win their first game 18-12.
UFL Opening Weekend Facts
**There are 400 players in the UFL and 315 of them have prior NFL experience. Some include San Antonio running back, Anthony McFarland (Steelers) and receiver, Marquez Stevenson (Bills)
**The NFL’s current replay system takes too long. The UFL has created an innovative way to make challenges and reviews faster, (maybe the NFL can use it down the road)
-When a team challenges a call on anything, Dean Blandino, (the rules and review expert), tells the TV audience his evaluation of his call, even if the team loses the challenge
-The NFL should eventually go to a universal challenge rule which should make game-deciding calls more transparent
**In the UFL, the measurements are reviewed by an AI robot called “TrU-Line”. It’s a form of an automated measuring chain that replaces the long hassle of refs using the chains and notecards
-The NFL is considering adopting this rule change so their first down measurements can be swift and accurate. In other words, the UFL is serving as a trial-and-error measure
UFL Opening Weekend Wrap-Up
What a great week 1 of the UFL.
There’s parody with all eight teams and it’s even better football now that the USFL and XFL teams have merged.
In addition, look for an even better UFL week 2 with more fans in the stands, as this league continues to draw more interest and grow.
See you next weekend spring football fans.
