The dynasty that conquered the spring, only to lose its home
In short: Between 2022 and 2024, the Birmingham Stallions achieved a rare sporting feat: three consecutive league championships. Yet, despite their dominance on the field and a fervent local following, the franchise's era in Alabama was cut short by stadium disputes and league relocation.
The Birmingham Stallions emerged as a powerhouse during the revival of the United States Football League (USFL) in 2022. Under the leadership of head coach and general manager Skip Holtz, the team established a winning culture, capturing the USFL title in 2022 by defeating the Philadelphia Stars 33–30. They continued this momentum into 2023, beating the Pittsburgh Maulers 28–12, and secured their third straight championship in 2024 during the inaugural season of the merged United Football League (UFL), defeating the San Antonio Brahmas 25–0.
The team's success was matched by a unique fan culture. The 'Horsemen,' an official supporters group, created an electric atmosphere at Protective Stadium, leading chants like 'Giddy Up' and organizing community charity work. Even more eccentric was the 'Pyramid of Flesh,' a tradition born from a 2024 lightning delay where a group of shirtless fans remained in the stands, eventually growing into a large, shirtless gathering of devotees during home games.
However, the franchise's stability crumbled alongside the league's structural changes. Following the merger of the USFL and XFL, tensions rose between the team's ownership—including Dwayne Johnson's Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation—and the city of Birmingham. Disputes regarding the capacity of Protective Stadium and the league's preference for different venues led to a breakdown in relations. By July 30, 2026, the UFL announced it would depart Birmingham, reallocating the roster and coaching staff to Rhode Island.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Birmingham Stallions (2022)
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