A Blast From The Past As The USFL And Tampa Bay Bandits Return
Nostalgia is a big thing and to Tampa Bay residents this one is huge! It’s a blast from the past as the USFL and the Tampa Bay Bandits return.
In the early 1980’s the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were far from being the world champions that we know today. But the Big Sombrero was rocking. Why? The USFL and the Tampa Bay Bandits! In their three seasons, the Bandits had a winning record, made the playoffs and drew big crowds at home games. Sadly, the USFL dissolved after the 1985 season.
Fast forward to June of 2021 and the announcement of the return of the USFL in 2022. The season kicks off April 16th with eight teams: Birmingham Stallions, Houston Gamblers, Michigan Panthers, New Jersey Generals, New Orleans Breakers, Philadelphia Stars, Pittsburgh Maulers, and…TAMPA BAY BANDITS!
We are the USFL 🏈
— USFL (@USFL) November 22, 2021
🐾 @USFLPanthers
🎖 @USFLGenerals
⭐️ @USFLStars
⚒️ @USFLMaulers
🐎 @USFLStallions
🎰 @USFLGamblers
🌊 @USFLBreakers
🤠 @USFLBandits pic.twitter.com/IWppp5b2Sz
The Bandits have signed former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley to be at the helm of the team. So far no rosters have been announced but the league has a database of 3000 players to put a quality product on the field.
Now don’t expect Bandits home games to be played here at Raymond James Stadium. In order to save money in their first year of existence, league will play all of its games at Legion Field and Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.
Break out that Bandits merch you had in the back of the closet for all these years. The USFL and the Tampa Bay Bandits are about to ride again!
[SOURCE ABC Action News]
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