Another Alabama city interested in recently folded Birmingham Stallions: ‘We would welcome the opportunity’

The Birmingham Stallions are no more, but the United Football League franchise may have found a new home in the state. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed announced Friday that his city is officially interested in hosting the team.

Montgomery Extends an Invite

Following the news that the UFL will no longer host the Stallions in Birmingham, Mayor Reed expressed a desire to keep the organization within Alabama. In a statement provided to 205focus.com, Reed emphasized that Montgomery is ready to explore a partnership to ensure the team remains an in-state asset.

"Our door is open, and we stand ready to work with the league, community partners, and stakeholders to help keep the Stallions in Alabama while creating a lasting asset that benefits Montgomery and the entire region for generations to come," Reed stated.

The Quest for a 'Right-Sized' Venue

The departure of the franchise stems from UFL co-owner Mike Repole’s official announcement regarding the exit. Repole cited the 45,000-seat capacity of Protective Stadium as too large to cultivate an ideal atmosphere for spring football. While the league is currently scouting for a viable stadium solution, Montgomery offers potential options in the 25,000-seat Cramton Bowl and the 26,500-seat Alabama State University Stadium.

Mayor Reed noted that the city would even be willing to discuss constructing a new stadium tailored to the league's needs. "Montgomery has long believed there is an opportunity to develop a right-sized stadium that can serve multiple purposes—from football and soccer to community events and entertainment—while supporting economic growth, tourism, and quality of life throughout the Capital City," he added.

Context of the Move

The league previously considered the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, though Repole confirmed on social media that scheduling conflicts with the annual SEC baseball tournament made that venue unfeasible. As the UFL prepares for the 2027 season, which kicks off in late March, a permanent home for the Stallions and the Houston Gamblers remains undetermined.

The Stallions enter this transition after a storied run as a charter member of the revived USFL. The team captured three consecutive championships from 2022-2024 before enduring a 4-6 finish this past season. With former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron serving as head coach under a two-year contract, the future of the coaching staff and the team’s location remain key storylines for the upcoming expansion to a 10-team league in 2028.