The St. Louis Battlehawks make their eagerly anticipated return for the 2024 XFL season. As an expansion franchise, fans can’t wait to see the marquee matchups that await. This Battlehawks schedule overview breaks down all the must-see home games at The Dome at America’s Center as the team looks to conquer in their inaugural season.
Home Opener Sets the Tone : Battlehawks Schedule
To kick off the franchise’s revival, the Battlehawks host the Vegas Vipers on February 15th in their 2024 home opener. This first Battlehawks schedule home game against the flashy Vipers squad led by offensive guru Jim Haslett will set the tone. The deafening crowd at The Dome must bring championship energy from the opening kickoff. This initial contest starts the journey that St. Louis fans hope ends in a league title. If the Battlehawks schedule want to establish dominance, then defending their home turf against Vegas is crucial.
First Test on the Road in the Nation’s Capital
Following their debut at The Dome, the Battlehawks quickly face their first road test against the DC Defenders on February 23rd. The Defenders have a rowdy crowd at Audi Field, meaning this represents a proving ground for the Battlehawks. Entering a hostile environment in DC will reveal if this St. Louis team has the mental toughness to weather storms away from home. Silencing the Defenders fans would show the Battlehawks schedule travel well.
Emerging Rivalry with the Sea Dragons
An intriguing rivalry could emerge between the Battlehawks and Seattle Sea Dragons this season, as they clash twice—on March 2nd in St. Louis and March 16th in Seattle. These games feature a clash of cultures between the industrial Midwest city and the tech hub of the Pacific Northwest. Furthermore, Sea Dragons coach Jim Zorn has already started the trash talk. If the games are competitive, this geographic rivalry could catch fire. The Dome will need to rattle Seattle on March 2nd. Then, the Battlehawks schedule must quiet the loud 12th Man crowd at Lumen Field two weeks later.
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Wade Phillips Brings His Houston Roughnecks to Town
One of the XFL’s big personalities, head coach Wade Phillips, leads his Houston Roughnecks into St. Louis for a Western showdown on March 30th. The legendary defensive coordinator will have his trademark salty banter ready. This Battlehawks vs. Roughnecks contest brings a Texas-sized serving of intrigue, especially with Phillips roaming the sidelines. His unique brand of coaching creativity and innate aggression could give Houston an edge. The Battlehawks look to stand tall and outgun the Roughnecks on this date.
Payback Time in the Lone Star State
After hosting the Houston Roughnecks, St Louis gets an opportunity to enact some revenge two weeks later. The Battlehawks head down south to the Lone Star State for a return matchup on April 13th. In front of the rowdy locals at TDECU Stadium, coach Phillips’ group is sure to be revved up. But if the Battlehawks steal a win on Houston’s home turf, they will make a huge statement. This contest has the makings of a street fight, not suited for the meek.
High Stakes Showdown in Regular Season Finale
For the final 2024 Battlehawks home matchup on April 27th, they take on the Orlando Guardians, complete with plenty of playoff implications. Led by offensive innovator head coach Terrell Buckley, the high-flying Guardians are sure to provide fireworks. If the Battlehawks hope to clinch a postseason berth in their first season back, then defending The Dome versus Orlando is paramount. This late-April clash should rock the stadium with the vibe of a championship bout, getting St. Louis primed for playoff intensity battles ahead.
Home-Field Magic Needed All Season Long
At all points throughout the year during this tantalizing 2024 season schedule, the St. Louis fanbase must produce noise and energy at The Dome reminiscent of the “Greatest Show on Turf” days. Starting with the tone-setting opener against the Vegas Vipers, the Battlehawks require superb home support. Especially in the inaugural season for this franchise, success often remains contingent on leveraging home-field advantage. So for marquee games against new rivals like Seattle and Houston, not forgetting the vital Orlando season finale, Battlehawks fans need to consistently bring championship-level enthusiasm. This begins at the opening kickoff and lasts all the way through the climactic showdown versus the Guardians with a potential playoff spot hanging in the balance.