This is an opinion column

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Today’s guest columnist is Jay Taylor.

If you’ve never been to a Birmingham Stallions football game then now’s the time.

Go.

Mark your calendar. The two final regular season home games are on Mothers Day at 11 a.m. (free flowers for moms) and Saturday, May 24 at 2 p.m.

Go.

Why? Because if you haven’t been you’re missing something truly special.

It’s kind of like a hybrid of college football and professional football. The games are on national television. Cole Cubelic is on the broadcast team. And the fanbase is extremely passionate.

Both games are important, but if you’re going to just one (and in some places this is published after May 11 anyway), consider the Memorial Day Weekend contest. It’ll be a doozie. The Michigan Panthers are visiting to battle for first place in the USFL division. At least, Birmingham and Michigan were on a collision course at the time I wrote this and it would take multiple upsets to change that.

What will their battle royale in Protective Stadium mean?

They’ll both have a playoff spot locked up. Their opponent? Each other. This game will determine whether the rematch is in Birmingham or Detroit.

And the winner of that playoff game will head to the UFL championship game.

The Stallions won both USFL titles when the league was reincarnated in 2022, and they took the debut UFL crown after a merger with the XFL.

In other words, a four-peat is on the line. So, like I said:

Go.

I tell you what, let me give you a sample of Stallions football so you’ll know what to expect. Here’s what happened in our home opener.

The Stallions have a staunch defense. And the offense has found a way to win in thrilling fashion, but they were sluggish for most of that day.

With 2:09 remaining, the Stallions found themselves down 9-3 with the ball at their own 30.

Moments later, all looked lost when quarterback Matt Corral threw an interception on fourth and six.

As we all hung our heads in despair, the review booth noticed an offensive penalty. Yep, we got a mulligan thanks to our own false start. Fourth and 11.

Giddy Up. (Remember that chant at the game).

Short story: we drove down and took the lead with 26 ticks left. You shoulda seen it. It was like a fall Saturday in Tuscaloosa or Auburn, only it was in Protective Stadium in the spring.

But with fewer people. And that’s a problem, because these players deserve better.

First, it must be noted, we were fourth in attendance in 2024, and through five games we’re fifth this year. Official figures show we average north of 9,600 in Birmingham with approximately 10,200 in Michigan.

The sky isn’t falling. There’s no doubt, Stallions ticket sales faced a number of hurdles this season. Bad weather. The Indy Grand Prix at Barber. Barons baseball. And this Mother’s Day game with that start time? Oof.

Still, no excuses. And no comparing ourselves to the abysmal numbers in Houston and Memphis, either. Bottom line – we’re trending in the wrong direction.

The Stallions could use more local media coverage, sure, but the ones who shoulder the most responsibility for low attendance reside in the marketing department.

If your strategy is to cross your fingers and hope for the best, you may want to try a new direction. What have I heard about doing the same thing and expecting different results?

Did you know the Stallions roster is loaded with elite players from some of the best colleges in America? Shyheim Carter won a national championship at Alabama and he’s a cornerback for us now.

Deon Cain is electrifying, and we’re lucky to have him. He beat my Crimson Tide for the national championship at Clemson, but now he’s turned from villain to hero.

Head Coach Skip Holtz knows how to win. He’s the Nick Saban of the UFL.

There are countless promotions that could lure more fans. A flag football game at halftime between former Tide and Tiger players? A post-game concert by a big name?

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Induction is in May. Consider partnering with them for a bigger promotion.

Commit $2 of every ticket to a charity. Mattress companies, restaurants, and other business increase sales this way by supporting high school bands and athletics. Why not you? Better yet, invite multiple high school bands to play together. When people buy their tickets, they can choose who they are supporting.

There. I got you started. Brainstorm. Come up with a better plan to increase attendance next season.

As for this year, it’s gut check time. A four-peat is on the line and they need the fans to show up.

Mark it on your calendar: May 11 at 11 a.m.

And definitely don’t miss Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m.

Giddy up.

Jay Taylor

Jay Taylor is a freelance writer based in Birmingham, Alabama. He has more than 30 years of experience working in advertising, journalism, marketing, and business. He renovated Kessler Lofts with his family and cofounded the startup TabX in Birmingham. Taylor previously served as president of the Central City Neighborhood Association. Today, he lives in Homewood with his wife and two children.

David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. He’s past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).

Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. [email protected]