OK, gang, the Birmingham Stallions defeated the Houston Gamblers today, 38-15, which means the United States Football League’s South Division title game will be played at Protective Stadium on Sunday, June 25.
“What an honor for us to be in the playoffs again,” Birmingham coach Skip Holtz said. “What a great accomplishment for this football program.”
But now it’s time for a pop quiz.
When was the last time a professional football team based in Birmingham hosted a playoff game?
You in the front … the one wearing the vintage Lionel Messi/Barcelona jersey.
“Last Wednesday. Birmingham Legion FC hosted Inter Miami CF in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match.”
Hmmm … you’ve got me there. It’s association football and a single-elimination tournament qualifies as a playoff, so I’ll allow it. But that wasn’t what I meant, so let me clarify.
I’ll word it this way … when was the last time a professional tackle football team based in Birmingham hosted a playoff game?
Yeah, the guy in the back with your hand up … the one wearing the vintage Kurt Warner/Iowa Barnstormers jersey … go.
“August 17, 2002. The af2 Birmingham Steeldogs hosted the Peoria Pirates in the conference championship game.”
Well, you got me, there. That’s correct and I’ll give you proper credit, but it’s not what I’m looking for.
I’ll rephrase the question … when was the last time an 11-player professional outdoor tackle football team based in Birmingham hosted a playoff game?
All right, you … the one wearing the vintage Marcella Sanborn/Cleveland Daredevils jersey.
“January 18, 2003. The Birmingham Steel Magnolias were the host team for the Women’s Football Association championship game between the Jacksonville Dixie Blues and Indianapolis Vipers, which was played in Birmingham.”
Dang, we got a buncha brainiacs.
That’s the right answer, but I’m obviously asking the wrong question.
I’m gonna try this once more – and this is as clear as I know how to make it:
When was the last time an 11-player men’s professional outdoor tackle football team based in Birmingham hosted a playoff game?
Anyone?
Anyone?
It’s a shame no one wearing a vintage Kurt Warner/Amsterdam Admirals jersey raised a hand. I’ll bet they’d know.
You have to go back 32 years to find the correct answer, and that answer is June 1, 1991. That was the day the Birmingham Fire of the World League of American Football welcomed the Barcelona Dragons to Legion Field in a semi-final playoff game.
A crowd of 37,590 showed up to cheer on the Fire, but five turnovers doomed the home team in a sloppy, boring, 10-3 loss.
And if you’re keeping score at home, that was the sixth time the Magic City had showcased a postseason gridiron contest in a play-for-pay men’s league.
The Birmingham Americans hosted two in 1974 on their way to the World Football League championship; the original Stallions totaled three in their three years of existence; and the Fire had the one-and-done in 1991.
Since then, nothing.
The Birmingham Barracudas of the Canadian Football League played one playoff contest in 1995, but that was in San Antonio. (And before you call me out, I realize the CFL plays 12-man football).
The Birmingham Thunderbolts of the original XFL (2001) were the worst team in the league, and at 2-8 didn’t sniff the postseason.
And the Alliance of American Football Birmingham Iron (2019) secured a playoff berth with a 5-3 record, but the league never reached a ninth week.
Finally, though, Birmingham is back in the pro football postseason business. In two weeks, Protective Stadium will feature the Stallions and either New Orleans, Houston or Memphis.
“The fans are great,” Holtz said. “They’re unbelievable. They’ve been awesome at home. What a treat to know that we’re gonna have the opportunity to play one more game in Birmingham in the 2023 season, so I can’t say thank you enough to them.”
The event – and playoffs are events – will be a long time coming for the city, and a first-time occurrence for the newish stadium in the Uptown.
And who knows?
One day it might be the correct answer to a pop quiz question.
Get your Stallions jerseys ready …
Ready!