Say goodbye to the Birmingham Stallions.
Via Roy S. Johnson of AL.com, the UFL will announce on Thursday that the Birmingham Stallions will cease operations.
“They said the stadium didn’t provide the atmosphere they were seeking and did not fit in their business model,” Jimmie Stephens, chair of the Jefferson County Commission, told Johnson. “I’m disappointed that their business model did not fit a state-of-the-art, brand new stadium, which would accommodate whatever they needed, including future growth. It bothers me.”
The problem is the combination of stadium capacity (47,000) and stadium occupation during games (a lot less than 47,000).
The hints were there. UFL co-owner Mike Repole has had no qualms about criticizing the situation in Birmingham. Also, when the league posted an opening for a president of business operations for both teams, it didn’t include the Stallions.
It’s unclear what will happen with the team. Last year, the UFL moved three teams to new cities. With eight franchises in the UFL, the league undoubtedly will find a new home for the Stallions.