UFL Owner Criticizes Hoover Met, Calls for Smaller Stadium in Birmingham Mike Repole, co-owner of the United Football League, has reiterated his opposition to the Hoover Metropolitan Complex as a potential home for the Birmingham Stallions, while reiterating his concerns about Protective Stadium. In a series of posts on X on July 24, 2026, Repole stated that the league had explored moving the Stallions to Hoover Met but concluded the facility was unavailable during the spring football season. “We looked into Hoover Met as an option,” he said. “Unfortunately, they do not have the spring dates we need in order to play a season there.” Repole’s criticism extended to Protective Stadium, which seats nearly 47,000 fans. He questioned the decision to build such a large venue in Birmingham, asking, “Who thought building a 47,000 seat stadium in Birmingham was a good idea??? @TheUFL, UAB and a USL team and you build a 47k seat stadium???” He argued that the city would benefit more from a smaller stadium with a capacity of 12,000 to 15,000 seats, which he claimed would create a more energetic atmosphere and stronger home-field advantage. “The people of Birmingham deserve a great 12,000 to 15,000 seat stadium that actually creates energy, passion, demand and a real home field advantage. Bigger isn’t always better. The right size is better,” he wrote. This latest critique follows Repole’s earlier doubts about the Stallions’ return to Protective Stadium for the 2027 season. In a social media post on July 23, he expressed skepticism about the team’s continued presence at the venue, stating that the UFL’s long-term vision prioritizes “the right market, the right sized venue, a passionate fan base.#ufl #mike_repole #birmingham_stallions #protective_stadium #birmingham_jefferson_convention_complex
United Football League Ends Operations in Birmingham After Five Seasons The United Football League (UFL) has announced that it will cease operations in Birmingham, marking the end of the city’s longest stint in professional spring football. The decision, made after five seasons, comes as the league cited the inability of the 47,000-seat Protective Stadium to align with its business model and the desire for a more intimate fan experience. The move has sparked disappointment among local officials and fans, who had supported the Birmingham Stallions throughout their tenure. Mayor Randall Woodfin acknowledged the team’s contributions to the city, stating, “Birmingham has been home to the Stallions since 2022. We have been proud to see the team’s success on the field and its growth in the market over that time. We wish the organization well.” The league’s decision was framed as a strategic shift, with officials emphasizing that the stadium’s size diluted the energy and atmosphere they sought. The median capacity for venues in the league’s eight cities was 21,250, far below Protective Stadium’s capacity. The Stallions, founded in 2022 as part of the UFL, were a revival of the USFL team that played at Legion Field from 1983 to 1985. The franchise quickly became a powerhouse, winning three consecutive championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024. However, the team faced challenges in 2026, including a 4-6 record and a first-time playoff miss. Despite this, ticket sales showed growth, with Gene Hallman of Eventive noting, “Substantial ticket revenue growth from 2025 to 2026. We’re not coming off a season where our numbers declined.” Co-owner Mike Repole, a billionaire who acquired a majority stake in the UFL in 2025, had publicly criticized the stadium’s size.#birmingham #mike_repole #birmingham_stallions #united_football_league #protective_stadium
