ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis BattleHawks surpassed 40,000 fans in attendance for Saturday's home opener, breaking the modern U.S. spring football attendance record set last year.
And that history has led to the BattleHawks' victory. St. Louis defeated the Arlington Renegades 27-24 in a back-and-forth game, scoring the winning field goal as time expired.
Tens of thousands of people packed into the Dome at America's Center for the BattleHawks' home opener of their third spring football season in five years, a first in the newly merged United Football League.
Battle Hawks reported 40,317 participants Saturday. It held the spring soccer record of 38,310, set last year at the home opener on March 12, 2023.
Quarterback AJ McCarron completed 19 of 29 pass attempts for 248 yards, including two touchdowns to wide receiver Marcell Ateman. The Battle Hawks led 14-11 at halftime, and the lead changed hands four times in the second half.
Head coach Anthony Becht said St. Louis is still trying to improve some parts of its game, but is pleased with the improvements in the offensive line and running game. He also praised the large crowd.
“I love St. Louis,” Becht said. “I love this fan base. It was great to be here today as a Cardinal playing football. It was great to get the W.”
St. Louis improved to 1-1 in the young 10-game season. The BattleHawks will next travel to Texas to take on the San Antonio Brahmas.
