Jesse Dyess 
This past year has been my first involvement in the USFL. Over the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of watching and reporting on the Saturday Slate of games. I love the atmosphere, the competitiveness, and the weird connection to history that the relaunch of the USFL gives us to the 1980s. However, the use of hubs in this league needs to be addressed.
I understand that in year one, as a measure to help a league launch that would no doubt struggle financially, they decided to host all of the games in Birmingham. This wound up being a great financial decision, as this league was the first spring league since the original USFL to survive to a second season. The league recognized the opportunity for growth in year 2 and decided to expand to 4 hub cities. This has been great for the home teams in these markets, notably Birmingham, Memphis, and Michigan (Ohio has a hub as well, but not a team).
What changed my mind
I’ve seen all across our messages, when people address the USFL, one of the biggest complaints we receive is the existence of the Hub system. So much so, that in a lot of cases, I have dismissed that argument and thought “Why can’t we just enjoy the good product on the field?” Through 8 weeks, the games have been incredibly close, and with 2 games to play, every team is still in the playoff hunt. However, my recent trip to Birmingham has forced me to reevaluate my opinion on the subject.
Before I make it any further, I want to complement the entire USFL staff. My trip up to attend Saturday’s game between the Stars and Stallions, then Sunday’s game between the Breakers and Panthers was first-rate. Everyone involved in the USFL made this experience something incredible. However, the atmosphere around Saturday and Sunday’s game was very different.
Saturday’s game featured a great energy about it. Parking near the stadium was nearly full. Fans were tailgating, and some were wearing Stallion helmets. When the actual game started you could feel the energy, the home fans were there in force. When McGough threw the winning touchdown in the rematch of last year’s championship, the energy was unmistakable.
Sunday’s game
When I arrived at Sunday’s game, I was hoping for a great turnout for what wound up being a great game. That energy wasn’t quite there. I arrived around the same time, 2 hours before the game, and you could barely tell a game was about to take place. The turnout for this game did not seem to be great either. Saturday’s game wasn’t a sellout by any means, but there was a noticeable difference. The game itself was fantastic, however. New Orleans started out hot, looking like a blowout before Michigan fought its way back in. New Orleans managed to hold on to win a thrilling game. This allowed them to keep pace in the very rugged USFL south.
What was missing?
This is just one man’s opinion, but what was missing from that game was a home flavor. I hate to compare them to the XFL, but that was not a problem the XFL had. DC fans made us cheer for the beer snake. St. Louis reminded us, sometimes annoyingly so, that they are some of the most passionate fans in the country. San Antonio fans showed up to support a team that ended up with a missed field goal from the playoffs.
Many people will point to the downsizing of the XFL as to why this will not work, but I don’t think the league is in trouble. They managed to match the USFL feat of completing a first season. With a rookie draft on the horizon, things appear very much to be headed into year 2 territory. Going forward for year 3, I think the USFL can look into this and make this change work.
After all, how much more fun would a Breakers game be in front of a rabid New Orleans fan base? Or how about the Stars getting to play home games in front of one of the most notorious fan bases in the nation? Or even still, seeing how the fans of New Jersey respond to their own football team.
Wrapping it up
As an avid USFL fan, I want to continue to see growth and success in this league. Spring football has become a very serious obsession of mine in the last year. Not having to go an entire off-season without my favorite sport has been incredible. That said, I don’t see any path forward for the USFL that doesn’t involve home city games for all involved. Next season needs to be that time.
Hello Jesse,
I enjoyed reading your commentary.
I was a season ticket holder for the STARS in 83 and 84. Why not? Not a big baseball fan so nine game for $75 was a no brainer. I watched the
first USFL game on ABC (i think) somebody at Denver Gold at it was a snowy game…being February. Anyway, Stars would have 20-30k fans and it
was great.
I went to the Championship Game last year in Canton. A good atmosphere. Lots of fans for each team, and lots of locals who said they just loved football.
I would love to see the Stars playing locally next year, but i wonder where they could play. I don’t think the Linc would have em…. tho I could be wrong.
The Union stadium….maybe. Villanova Stadium….aint been there in almost 20 years (Barrage Lacrosse) and it aint a pro football stadium.
Franklin Field? well, that would be awesome…a great place to watch football. hmmmmm