The St. Louis Battlehawks are gearing up for their second season in the United Football League (UFL), with high hopes for financial sustainability and a strong fanbase. With a favorable geographical location and a highly anticipated merger with the NFL, the Battlehawks are ready to make their mark in professional spring football.

According to team owner Dean Johnston, the Battlehawks' proximity to other UFL teams in the central time zone bodes well for their success. With six out of eight UFL teams located in the same time zone, St. Louis provides a favorable geographical advantage. "The biggest thing is to be financially sustainable as well as draw that interest with the fanbase. When you talk about that geographical location, that's helpful," Johnston stated.

The Battlehawks' closest opponent will be the Memphis Showboats of the USFL Conference, which is approximately four hours away. Additionally, San Antonio will serve as a market for the Battlehawks' training camp, which is set to begin in mid-February.

Marking another exciting development, Anthony Becht is set to return as the head coach for the Battlehawks, bringing his experience and leadership to the team for a second straight season. However, specific rosters and schedules for the upcoming season have not yet been released.

One of Johnston's goals for the merger between the UFL and the NFL is to strengthen the ties between the two professional football leagues. With several key personnel in the UFL familiar with the NFL, Johnston hopes to facilitate meaningful conversations and collaboration between the leagues. "I'm hoping we're able to accelerate that process and have meaningful conversations with the NFL about what our league can provide," Johnston expressed.

Johnston also emphasized that the UFL should not be seen as a developmental or feeder league, but rather as a professional, standalone football league. The goal is to maximize talent and the quality of play in the UFL by providing access to players on the fringe of the NFL. This will not only benefit the UFL but also provide NFL teams with an opportunity to scout and recruit talented players from the UFL who are game-ready.

Excitement is growing among Battlehawks players, as they look forward to the upcoming season and the opportunity to play in front of St. Louis fans. Johnston highlighted the vibrant atmosphere and strong attendance that St. Louis has to offer, stating, "Our players from the UFL are excited to get into a stadium like St. Louis. Our guys are excited because they want to be in front of people. They want to feel the energy from the crowd, they want to tap into that."

As the Battlehawks prepare to kick off their season on March 30, St. Louis is optimistic about the team's potential and the positive impact the UFL-NFL merger could have on the league. With fan support, strong leadership, and collaboration with the NFL, the Battlehawks aim to make their presence felt and solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in professional spring football.