Who’s gonna be rocking out at the vess lot this season?!

Hello and welcome to the Nest. This is an updated megathread for the 2025 season.

In order to keep all of the important information consolidated and easy to reference, I've decided to put everything in this thread and leave it stickied for everyone's convenience.

##WHO ARE THE ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS?

You can reference the wikipedia article here for a history of the St. Louis Battlehawks:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis_Battlehawks

TLDR: The St. Louis Battlehawks were established in 2020 as part of the revived XFL. The team returned for the 2023 XFL season, narrowly missing the playoffs to division rival the Seattle Sea Dragons. The team was then carried over into the new United Football League (UFL) for the 2024 season as one of 4 teams in the XFL Conference following a merger with the USFL. The Battlehawks won the #1 seed in the XFL Conference and hosted the XFL Conference Championship, losing to the San Antonio Brahmas. The league has confirmed the team will be part of the 2025 UFL season.

##GAME SCHEDULE

The league has confirmed the kickoff date of March 28, 2025, and the date of the UFL Championship game will be on June 14, 2025. The home and away opponents were officially announced here for the St. Louis Battlehawks. The league has advised they expect the full season schedule to be released in the "coming weeks", which would imply late October/early November until further notice.

Below are the confirmed home and away opponents (bolded italicized teams denote in-conference matchups):

HOME

• Arlington Renegades
• Birmingham Stallions
• DC Defenders
• Michigan Panthers
• San Antonio Brahmas
• San Antonio Brahmas

AWAY

• Arlington Renegades
• DC Defenders
• Houston Roughnecks
• Memphis Showboats

All Battlehawks home games will continue to be played at The Dome at America's Center (referred to by the fans as the "Battledome").

Due to the San Antonio Brahmas having scheduling complications with the Alamodome, the Battlehawks will have 6 home games in the 2025 season, with the Brahmas traveling to St. Louis twice for both of their games.

It has also been confirmed by the league that there will 10 Friday night games during the season, so we do expect the Battlehawks to play in at least one of these primetime slots.

##HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN (USA)

All games are expected to be broadcast on Fox, ABC, ESPN, and FS1.

For streaming options, you can use the ESPN+ app for the ABC and ESPN games, and the Fox Sports app for the Fox games (Fox Sports app requires a subscription to either Direct TV, Fubo TV, Sling TV, Dish, or Hulu Sports).

There is a workaround for the Fox Sports app. The Fox Sports' website allows a 1-hour preview of their live sports. The method below is how you can watch any Fox games on the app for free using the free preview option.

After your one hour preview is up:

• Copy the link

• Close ALL browser windows

• Open an incognito/private window

• Paste the link

= Endless 1 hour previews. Just keep repeating the process.

All of the ABC and ESPN games will be on ESPN Xtra on SiriusXM. All of the Fox games will be available on Fox Sports on SiriusXM.

##HOW TO WATCH (INTERNATIONAL)

If you're outside the US, best legal option is USTVNow.com.

It's a LEGAL way to watch the games, the one-day pass is roughly 4 USD.

Why is it legal?

While the channel advertises to be for US Military abroad their terms and conditions DO NOT REFERENCE ANY OF THAT and basically EVERYONE can subscribe (both "legally" and "technically".

Canada has access to Fox and ABC over the air, but Canadians would have to use the above option to watch the ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1 games, unless the league works out a broadcast deal for Canada prior to the season kickoff.

##WHERE TO BUY TICKETS?

You can buy tickets from the UFL site here.

Click this link for the season ticket member renewal page on ticket master.

St. Louis Battlehawks Season Ticket Member Benefits:

• Priority access to renew exact seat location for 2026

• 25% discount on merchandise at UFLshop.com (online only)

• Priority access to purchase additional seats at STM pricing

• Priority invites to away game watch parties

• Priority access to team events

• NEW - Season Ticket Member Only Pre-Season Event

• NEW - Season Ticket Member Gift

• NEW - Introducing K.O.G - The Kaw Originals! All Original Season Ticket Members. Details to Come!

• NEW - Two Complimentary Tickets to a Home Game - Invite a First Timer!

• NEW - Season Ticket Member Only Merchandise

• NEW - Kids Club Discount

• NEW - Season Ticket Member Only Partner Offers

All Season Ticket Members who renew by August 16th, 2024, will be eligible to win a VIP Package for the home opener, including a suite, food package, field access, and more.

Season ticket sales open up to the general public on October 15, 2024. Below is a direct link to purchase season tickets:

• St. Louis Battlehawks Season Tickets

You can review frequently asked questions regarding season ticket renewals here.

Battledome season ticket seating map here for reference.

##PARKING & TAILGATING INFO

All of the Battlehawks home games are played at The Dome at America's Center, 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO. This sub has its own parking and tailgating megathread you can check out here for more detailed information. Below is transcribed from the megathread:

Map

Last Update: 4-6-24

Since 2020, I have put together a map of public parking and tailgating spots near the Dome. I have done my best to update this map over the years with as much information as I can confirm. I am always in touch with parking companies and tailgate organizers, so check back often.

The map is color coded, with surface lots in blue, garages in purple, free parking and shuttles in green (see below), and lots to avoid or that are sold out in red. The map also has 18 Metrolink Park & Ride Lots, all of which are free (see below for more Metrolink info).

Be sure to leave your comments about getting to and from the Dome, parking, tailgating, or anything of the sort, and we'll be sure to add it to the map and the thread. Would love to try and get some accurate parking prices to save BattleHawks fans some green, and find out where everyone is going to be tailgating.

Cheap Ticket Options

BattleHawks tickets will be sold at the Dome box office every Friday before home games from 12pm-5pm and on gamedays, allowing fans to avoid Ticketmaster fees (though the box office still charges a $3 fee).

Ticketing staff did imply that by buying tickets directly through their office that you could avoid some Ticketmaster fees, though this could have been for group sales only. Worth a try if you don't have tickets yet, email: tickets@uflbattlehawks.com

Similarly, the BattleHawks did have very cheap student tickets for sale last season, but these were only available at the last second and at the box office only. I've not heard anything about this happening again, but it could be only a few days before a game that this is announced.

Season ticket holders are able to buy additional single game tickets at season ticket prices with no fees. Check your email for more info. If you'd like a STM to buy you tickets at this discounted rate, ask nicely in the comments and see what happens.

You can purchase tickets for the BattleHawks Kids Club. For $47.44 including fees, the Kids Club purchase includes:

• Two 400 level tickets
• Youth Battlehawks' t-shirt (youth medium or large)
• Battlehawks lanyard
• You're also able to purchase additional kids club tickets for the same game at $21 each including fees.

BattleHawks Official Gameday Guide

As a side note, there are many beach balls being tossed around the crowd, and streamers thrown after every touchdown. Do not throw these on the field! If a ball makes it on the field, it will not be returned to the crowd. If too many streamers end up on the field, they will ban them, so don't ruin it for everyone.

A few highlights from the guide. This has been updated for the 2024 season, though with no real changes.

• All signs must be hand-held and under 2' x 2'. It looks like based on last season, there is a bit of flexibility if you have a D-Fence sign.
• All concessions are cash-free, but do accept Google & Apple Pay in addition to cards. Beer vendors were previously cash only, but are now also cash-free.
• There is a lot of info on costumes: Basically don't be offensive, don't ruin the game for others, make sure it all fits in your seat (no massive bird wings), no real or toy weapons except foam swords, and you must remove your costume when you go through security.
• Clear, empty, plastic water bottles are allowed. I can confirm I found drinking fountains pretty easily.
• No artificial noisemakers, including cowbells or air horns; though at least one guy snuck in a vuvuzela last season.
• No outside food or drink.
• Gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

Bag Guide for 2023. Restrictions are the same for 2024.

Facebook Tailgate Groups and Official Team Events

Last season the team had an official pre-game outside the Dome starting 3 hours before kickoff. I didn't attend, but it sounds like it was pretty similar to what the team hosted before games in 2020.

At this time I don't have a ton of information on the different groups and what they have planned, beyond at the lots north of the Dome, so if anyone has any information please pass it on.

STL BattleHawks Tailgating: Just a Facebook Group where people talk about their tailgate plans.

XFL STL Battlehawks Battle Squadron Tailgate: This group plans on tailgating at the lots north of the Dome, it it's mostly still just people discussing their tailgate plans.

Broadway BattleHawks & Broadway Boat Bar: The Broadway Boat Bar hosts the huge tailgate with a concert each Home game at the lots north of the Dome. Ordering Online season passes start at $200, or $40 for single game passes. If you don't want to order online, contact Jordan @ 314-565-4124, or visit the Broadway Boat Bar Downtown. They are already selling parking passes for the Championship game, and will almost certainly sell ones for the conference championship.

Bar Shuttles to the Game

Several bars have shuttles that will drop you off and pick you up on Wash Ave or Convention Plaza, and they are on the map. These shuttles are great if you want to have plenty to drink before the game and not worry about parking. However, keep in mind that these shuttles get stuck in all the same traffic as everyone else leaving the game, and there may be miscommunication about where and when they will pick you up. Personally, I would only take a bar shuttle if you really want to go to the bar before or after the game. If you goal is avoiding parking, MetroLink is a much better option.

Keep in mind that even if a shuttle is "free" you should still tip your driver a few dollars per person each way. That being said, if there is a charge for the shuttle it's safe to assume that all that money goes to the driver, it's a mandatory tip. For this reason, shuttles with fees are still listed on the map as free.

Parking for Free at the Casino

Horseshoe Casino downtown has a garage and surface lot free to anyone with a Caesar's Rewards card. You can get this card for free at the customer service desk. While you do not have to gamble a penny to get the card, you do have to go on the casino floor so you'll need to be 21. I've confirmed that parking is still free to cardholders for BattleHawks games, but they WILL be checking for cards and that tailgating was not allowed. If you want free parking, go get your card sometime before the game (even if that means show up early the day of and have someone run inside real quick to get a card before you park).

The tunnel connecting the casino to the dome allows you to walk completely indoors from the garage to the plaza. Unfortunately escalators are out of order, but the elevator still works so it is ADA accessible.

Taking Metrolink to the Dome

Using the Metrolink to get to the game is a good option for anyone who doesn't want to struggle with parking downtown, and the ensuing traffic after the game. The Convention Center Metrolink station is only 800 feet from the closest entrance to the Dome, with escalators and elevators. The Metrolink may be a smidge crowded, especially immediately after the game, but this is the absolute safest time to use it (please don't argue about MetroLink crime, that is what r/StLouis is for). Be sure to double-check which train you are getting on when you leave, as the Red & Blue lines overlap Downtown, and getting on the right train the first time instead of transferring at Forest Park is definitely preferable. Tickets are $2.50 each way, available at the station or on the Transit App, be sure to validate your ticket when you get to the platform. The map has 18 Park & Ride lots at Metrolink stations, all of which are free, and I've highlighted 3 stations here as the most useful.

For those staying at hotels downtown, the 8th & Pine station is closed.

• Brentwood I-64: From 40 East, exit at Brentwood Blvd and go straight towards Hanley Rd, turn right on Hanley, and make the very next right. From 170, exit at Eager Rd and turn left on Eager, then turn right when you pass over the Metrolink station. Take an Eastbound train towards Fairview Heights, and get off at Convention Center. On the way back be sure to enter the Convention Center station on the north side of Washington Ave, and take the Westbound Blue Line Train towards Shrewsbury I-44.
• Shrewsbury Lansdowne I-44: From 44 East, exit at Murdoch Ave and go straight towards towards Murdoch Ave, turn left on Murdoch, turn right on Lansdowne Ave, and immediately turn left into the lot. Take an Eastbound train towards Fairview Heights, and get off at Convention Center. On the way back be sure to enter the Convention Center station on the north side of Washington Ave, and take the Westbound Blue Line Train towards Shrewsbury I-44.
• North Hanley: From 70 East, exit at Hanley Rd and turn right on Hanley, make the very next left, and then turn left again. Take an Eastbound train towards Shiloh-Scott, and get off at Convention Center. On the way back be sure to enter the Convention Center station on the north side of Washington Ave, and take the Westbound Red Line Train towards Lambert Airport.

##WHERE TO GET MERCH?

The official UFL store can be accessed here.

You can also find St. Louis Battlehawks and other UFL merchandise sold at Dick's Sporting Goods. You can check out their selection of Battlehawks gear here.

##INFO FOR NEWCOMERS

For your reference, the below is some basic information for newcomers to the Renegades fan community.

• Battlehawk Nation: This is what the Battlehawks call their fans. If you're a fan of the team, you're a part of Battlehawk Nation.

• The Battledome: This is what Battlehawks fans call their home stadium.

• Team Slogan/Rally Cry: Officially, it's KA-KAW!. Battlehawks Nation also use, "KAW IS THE LAW!" and "CLEARED TO ENGAGE!".

• Rivals: Biggest rivals in order from most hated to least are the DC Defenders, San Antonio Brahmas, and Arlington Renegades. These are also the 3 teams in direct competition with the Battlehawks in the XFL conference. The Battlehawks have an outside conference rivalry with the Birmingham Stallions (USFL conference).

• Official Fight Song: Taking Flight

If you're new to the league in general, check out this thread for beginners. Lots of good information there.

##2024 SEASON REVIEW

Check out this end of season team write-up for the St. Louis Battlehawks 2024 season, written by /u/ThatTrashyFriend. This is a good and informative recap of the season for anyone that missed it from the UFL community.

TLDR: Battlehawks finished 1st in the XFL Conference, but ended up losing to the San Antonio Brahmas at home in the XFL Conference Championship.

##2024 UFL COLLEGE DRAFT

The St. Louis Battlehawks picked 5th overall in each round of the UFL College Draft on July 17th, 2024. The following players were picked by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the College Draft:

Link to the full UFL College Draft Hub here

The players eligible for the College Draft were 2024 undrafted rookie free agents. The draft is for the UFL teams to claim these player's rights should they choose to play in the UFL.

##FREE AGENT DRAFT

It is expected that the UFL will have a free agent draft, likely in January, 2025, which will include players that participated in the summer and fall player showcases. You can review the UFL offseason megathread here for more information.

##CURRENT ROSTER LIST

For anyone interested, up to date roster lists, as well as tracking of UFL player movement, can be found on this Google sheets document maintained by Nick Thorn from Pro Football Newsroom. This is the best and most organized list available, and also includes information on the coaching staff, and pre-merger players (e.g. AAF, XFL, and USFL).

Direct link to the roster page is here.

##ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENTS

Aside from the full schedule release in the fall, it is expected that we will be informed if QB AJ McCarron decides to return to the UFL for the 2025 season.

##OTHER INFORMATION

You can check out the mega-thread on /r/UnitedFootballLeague here for more general information.

##OUTRO

We hope to see all of you at the Battledome for the Battlehawks home games in the 2025 season.

KA-KAW!!! KAW IS THE LAW!!!