ST. LOUIS–Three years of anticipation will finally come to fruition Sunday afternoon when the XFL’s Battlehawks return to the Dome at America’s Center for the first time since the team’s inaugural run in 2020 was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friday, the team announced it was opening up part of the 400 level, the upper portion of the Dome for the game against the Arlington Renegades. Both teams enter the game with a 2-1 record on the season.
Team officials have been tight-lipped about what that could ultimately translate to attendance-wise, but league owner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson laid down a marker earlier this week.
One lingering question? Will Johnson, who along with co-owner Dany Garcia attended each home opener in the first week of league play, be on the sidelines Sunday?
So far, no one’s saying for certain.
Here are six things you should know
Kickoff: 3pm
Tailgating: Fans can stop by a Laclede’s Landing tailgate starting at 12pm at the Katherine Ward Burg Garden (612 N. 1st St). The event features food trucks and the local band Proud Larry.
Parking and Tailgating: Be aware that parking lots and garages may have rules against tailgating. Parking areas owned by the St. Louis Parking Company prohibit open flames, grills, tables or tents.
Players to watch: Battlehawks QB A.J. McCarron leads the offense for St. Louis, as one of the most experienced players in the league. Running back Brian Hill, the Belleville West grad who has had hamstring issues this season, has been limited in practice this week until Friday when he was a full participant, but was not suspended after last week’s fight at the end of the St. Louis-Washington game last week. St, Louis Offensive Tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith was suspended two games, and Hill along with DB Nate Meadors, LB Travis Feeney and coach Tory Woodbury were all fined. Also keep an eye on Wide Receiver Hakeem Butler, coming off a 9-catch day against DC where he had 105 yards and a touchdown. He’s tied for the league lead with 3 receiving TDs. LB Willie Harvey enters week 4 as the league’s leading tackler.
Old friends: Former Battlehawks Head Coach Jonathan Hayes is now part of Bob Stoops’ Arlington staff, joining other former St. Louis staffers Chuck Long, Jay Hayes, Tim Lewis and Michael George. On the field Arlington features seven original Battlehawks including Hazelwood Central graduate OL Brian Folkerts, P Marquette King, K Taylor Russolino, DB Joe Powell, DB Will Hill and DL Will Clarke.
TV: The game is airing on ESPN2, featuring the top XFL broadcast team in Columbia native Tom Hart and former Alabama QB Greg McElroy, a college teammate of Battlehawks QB A.J. McCarron.