The Rivalry Returns: St. Louis Hosts DC in the Dome
by Ethan Berch
ARLINGTON, TX – March 25, 2026 – The rivalry is again. The most heated, intense, and bone-chilling rivalry in the UFL returns for the opening week of the season. After DC upset St. Louis and eradicated them from the postseason a 12 months in the past, tensions are anticipated to be excessive in The Battledome.
Storylines to Watch:
Not solely did DC pull off the upset in the semifinal, however they went on to do the similar in the championship, attaining spring soccer glory for the first time ever.
Last 12 months, the Defenders had the storybook narrative. Interim head coach Shannon Harris took over one week earlier than the season and led DC all the option to a championship, stunning the league time and time once more.
However, this 12 months the strain is on. Harris even informed the media, “we have a target on our back now.” The Defenders shift from a nothing-to-lose mindset to one in every of expectation, hoping to keep away from any championship hangover.
On the different facet, St. Louis has put collectively postseason runs in every of the previous two seasons however has but to succeed in the title sport. Now, Ricky Proehl takes over with a typical of success already set in The Lou.
Proehl, who performed 17 years in the NFL, now steps into his first head teaching place with the Battlehawks. He brings prior teaching expertise at each the UFL and NFL ranges, although by no means as the lead man. There might be anticipated challenges as a first-year head coach, however many belief Proehl as he returns to St. Louis.
Proehl brings expertise and pedigree to his workers. Offensive coordinator A.J. Smith beforehand coached in San Antonio and Houston, whereas Corey Chamblin, who guided one in every of the high defenses in the spring with Birmingham final 12 months, takes over as defensive coordinator.
Over in DC, Harris brings again offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss and defensive coordinator Blake Williams, making the Defenders the solely staff to return their whole teaching workers this season.
While many groups throughout the league are adjusting to new environments, St. Louis stays in its dome, the place the most trustworthy fan base in the UFL is able to rumble for Week One.
The Dome at America’s Center, higher referred to as The Battledome, has lengthy created a loud and hostile ambiance for opposing groups. With Nelly and the St. Lunatics set to carry out at halftime, there’s little doubt the dome might be rocking Saturday.
