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Orlando Storm Impress Fans in UFL Debut Win
The Orlando Storm made its UFL debut, drawing more than 11 thousand fans to watch the team beat the Columbus Aviators 23-16. While it may not have been the size of crowd the team had hoped for at Inter & Co Stadium, those that did show up were certainly enthusiastic in support of Orlando’s newest sports franchise.
“I’m a football lover so I’ve always supported. I think 5 or 6 years ago we had a team, I bought season tickets then” Miguel told us from his midfield area seats. “I’ll support these guys as long as they are here. I want Orlando to have some form of professional football.”
“If it’s Orlando and football I’m coming” Stetson Kent told Pulp City Magazine while wearing a Rage shirt. “We supported the Guardians a couple of years ago too and it didn’t work out. In the 90’s my Dad took me to the games with the Rage. Now we’re back again, so hopefully this one stays.”
The product the Storm put on the field was worthy of the fans support. The team waited until the first series before letting everyone know former Carolina Panthers quarterback Jack Plummer would be their starter and he didn’t disappoint. The running game was effective as well. Jashaun Corbin ran for the most yards of anyone in the league in Week 1, and scored two touchdowns as well. The play was pleasing to Alan Fisher who has seen all of the Spring football teams come and go. “We’ll have to see where it goes, but this gives a lot of other players an opportunity to jump in and hopefully show what they got and maybe make it to the NFL.”
Big fan Miguel thinks the team can survive where others have failed in Orlando. “It really depends on how much interest they are able to drum up. I think they are doing a good job with DJ Khaled and kind of doing that. I think that Orlando can have a small market team and be successful, so I’m hoping it sticks around.”
Orlando legend DJ Khaled bounced around the stadium and put on a lively halftime show. There were 5 thousand free t-shirts handed out to the fans getting there the earliest, and the team has plans for giveaways at future games. Clear Orlando Storm tote bags will be handed out to the first 5 thousand fans at the game against the Louisville Kings. More t-shirts, hats, and a commemorative coin will be given to fans at future home games.
From the team’s point of view, no outward disappointment was shown over a half full stadium for the debut. “The fanbase was incredible tonight” Head Coach Anthony Becht told the media after the game. He’s sticking to a common refrain he brought up during a previous stop in St. Louis and in the buildup to the Orlando home opener. “If everybody just brings one friend next game, we are going to have a great environment”.
Fan Mike Burkett certainly plans to be back. “I gave my son a shirt for Christmas when they announced the team. We are big Orlando sports fans and we’re excited to see some football back in town.” He’s hoping the team sticks around long enough so that he has to buy his son the next larger size shirt. “With the Guardians, by the time he outgrew the shirt, the team was gone.” The official total attendance was announced as 11,127. It was a late Sunday night start with school the next day, so the team hopes to build on that number. They’ll try on Saturday night April 4th against another new team, the Louisville Kings. It’s easy to scoff at a half full stadium and doubt the UFL’s longevity, especially with the history of spring football in Orlando, but if the product and the fan intensity is any indication, the Orlando Storm have a chance.
