Military families packed Phantom Warrior Stadium as the UFL brought professional football to Fort Hood for a first-of-its-kind event in Central Texas.
FORT HOOD, Texas — The United Football League made history Friday night in Central Texas as the Dallas Renegades faced the Orlando Storm in the first professional football game ever played on an active U.S. military base.
The game took place at Phantom Warrior Stadium on Fort Hood as part of the UFL’s “Hats Off to Heroes” initiative, a league-wide effort honoring service members, veterans and their families.
Fans packed the stands for the historic matchup, with attendance limited to military personnel, their families and those with access to the installation. Many described the event as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“It’s an honor to be part of history,” one fan said.
Active-duty service member Tre Balan said the event was more than just football.
“I mean, it’s a good collaboration, it’s good for the UFL, good for the military,” Balan said. “It’s a nice event for the family, for the kids. I just love it. I just like football. I love sports.”
Fans said bringing a professional football game to Fort Hood created an atmosphere unlike anything the area has seen before.
“I feel like it’s a pretty good opportunity for us to go and experience something big,” fan Favion Kirkwood said. “It’s just a great environment for everybody that’s in the military as well, just for us to come together as a community and just enjoy a big event like a football game out here.”
Bryson Collins attended the game with his active-duty father and said he never expected to witness a historic moment like this firsthand.
“My dad is in the military, and he brought us out to this game,” Collins said. “I’m very grateful. I see everybody around. I’m so happy the whole community came out here to have fun and watch the game.”
Collins later learned the matchup marked the first professional football game ever played on a military installation.
“That’s really important, man,” Collins said. “It’s history, man. First time for everything.”
League officials stated that the game was designed to celebrate military families and express gratitude to service members for their sacrifices. UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon said the event carries additional meaning as the nation approaches America’s 250th birthday.
The historic game was nationally televised on Friday night, putting a national spotlight on Fort Hood and the Central Texas military community.