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. There are two games left in Protective Stadium this season. One against the Michigan Panthers and the other against, well, it’s also against the Michigan Panthers.

The first Panthers-Stallions game in Birmingham will be the last matchup of the regular season between these two. In a sense, it doesn’t matter who wins that one, but the second game does matter.

The first will be Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m. and it will likely be for the USFL division’s regular season title.

The rematch (actually the third following a Birmingham victory in Detroit earlier this year) will be for a spot in the UFL championship game. It will be Sunday, June 8, in Protective.

We’re going for a four-peat for both of those titles, but obviously the latter is more coveted. It’s like playing in the SEC Championship Game. You want to win, but you’re keeping your eye on the bigger prize.

And that’s the perfect analogy here. Stallions football feels 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.

But don’t believe me. Go in person and see for yourself.

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. 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. So far, attendance has dropped this year, but the sky isn’t falling. It’s just that there have been some challenges.

Bad weather. Competition from The Indy Grand Prix at Barber and Barons baseball. And a game on Mother’s Day at 11 a.m.? Oof.

I’d love to see the Stallions get more media coverage, sure, but it’s the marketing department that has me shaking my head more than anything. “Pack Protective.” Alliteration doesn’t “pack” football stadiums.

It feels more like they’re just crossing their fingers and hoping for the best. 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. 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. And he’s navigated a considerable number of quarterback injuries this season masterfully.

My guess is he’ll use May 24 to get some game experience for J’Mar Smith, who was forced into duty after an injury to Case Cookus. Smith, who had not played football since 2023, did his Mama and our team proud during that Mother’s Day game.

The Stallions were down big, the postseason was on the line, and he led us to the largest comeback win in UFL history.

See what I mean about winning in thrilling fashion?

For 2026, the UFL needs to find a way to connect with the fans across the entire league. They owe it to these players.

As for this year, it’s gut check time. A four-peat is on the line and your Stallions need you in Protective.

Mark it on your calendar: Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, June 8.

Giddy up.

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).

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Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. dsher@comebacktown.con