I guess folks on the board aren't interested in the XFL nor are they paying attention to it, but that's not the case for the city of St Louis. RAMbeau and I have been watching every XFL game because they are ALL televised. The St Louis Battlehawks have taken this city by storm and people have really embraced them. They get lots of media coverage and the team has immersed themselves in community service and events same as the NFL does. The team is "home grown" and didn't come from somewhere else and I think that means something to folks here. You'd have to live here to fully understand and appreciate what I'm saying. No, it's not the NFL, but it doesn't matter. In fact, I think it's doing really well here precisely because it's NOT the NFL. Also, St. Louis is the only XFL city that doesn't also have an NFL team so it's nice that fans don't have to choose between one or the other... nor have to try and support two teams.
Right now, the Battlehawks are first in their division with a record of 3-1. They play at the Dome and attendance at the two home games they've had so far have outpaced all the other teams' attendance (The first home game was sold out and had just shy of 30,000 people. The 2nd game had 27,000. Other teams average around 17,000 per game). That doesn't sound like a lot of folks, but seating at XFL venues is limited to the lower bowl. Battlehawks merchandise is flying off the shelves and in a lot of stores, the merchandise is sold out. The games have been exciting and fun to watch and the fans are rabid and LOUD. Oh... and who brought out the game ball to the field before the start of the first home game? Torry Holt.
So we decided we just have to experience a game in person for ourselves. We'll be going to the next home game against the LA Wildcats on Saturday, March 21. We're taking my daughter and 3 1/2 yr old grandson along with us. We'll be there in our Battlehawks shirts and are really, REALLY looking forward to it. Football is back in St. Louis and we're lovin' it.