ST. LOUIS — Downtown St. Louis streets were filled with sports fans on Saturday who gathered to celebrate their St. Louis team of choice, including the St. Louis Battlehawks whose home opener against the Arlington Renegades was later in the day at the Dome at America's Center.
Fans flocked together in a parking lot across from the Dome tailgating hours before the game began at 7 p.m. The parking lot holds nearly 1,000 vehicles, and thanks to a father-son business, the lot was rented out for festivities centered on the Battlehawks.
Julian Jordan, owner of Mississippi Underground and Broadway Boat Bar in north St. Louis, said when he was a kid, his dad brought him to Rams tailgates.
"(We have) food and drink vendors, the restrooms, and we have security patrolling the lot all day and during the games," Jordan said.
Fans can pay a fee in exchange for a good and safe time.
5 On Your Side spoke with hopeful fans on the lot.
"Spring football is my thing," said one diehard Battlehawks fan. "My goal is this year to see 20 games for the UFL. Well as you know the Battlehawks will only play 12. You know what that means, championship."
Toby Brown was also among those in the crowd ready to have a good time.
"You never see anybody getting rowdy or nothing. There's always a smile on everybody's face. It's just great," Brown said.
Cynthia Miller and her family came downtown to stake out for the second year.
"We got our little table set up. We're going to have our little snacks. Maybe a few drinks to start the party listen to some good music," Miller said.