Why St. Louis fans are fighting to keep their football team in the Dome

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: After losing two NFL franchises to relocation, St. Louis has found a passionate new identity in the United Football League. The Battlehawks lead the league in attendance and viewership, yet the team faces an uncertain future as new ownership considers moving them from their iconic, high-capacity home stadium.

The St. Louis Battlehawks have become a cultural phenomenon since their founding as an original XFL team in 2018. Following the departure of the NFL's Rams in 2016, the city harbored significant negative sentiment toward the league, fueled by owners who relocated teams despite stadium offers. When the Battlehawks arrived, they filled a void in a market that had been without major professional outdoor football for years. Playing at The Dome at America's Center, the team quickly established a reputation for intense fan support, with crowds famously chanting against former Rams owner Stan Kroenke during games.

The team's success is defined by its massive local following. In 2023, the Battlehawks drew a record-breaking 38,310 fans to a single game, surpassing attendance figures from the original 2001 XFL. This popularity has made the Dome a central hub for the team, with the league securing a three-year lease that includes per-ticket rebates for high sales. The stadium's capacity and tailgating atmosphere are central to the team's identity, with coaches and staff arguing that the facility is essential for maintaining the high attendance targets necessary to sustain the franchise's current trajectory.

Despite this success, the team's future in the Dome is currently contested. In 2026, new UFL co-owner Mike Repole expressed concerns that the Dome is not the right environment for the team, citing a preference for smaller, soccer-specific venues like Energizer Park. This potential move has met resistance from team personnel who fear losing the unique atmosphere that has made the Battlehawks a UFL powerhouse. Meanwhile, the political landscape has also shifted; following the Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 announcement to leave Missouri, state legislators have moved to formally designate the Battlehawks as the state's official professional football team.

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