Birmingham Bulls opening 2020/2021 hockey season on Boxing Day – December 26th

IMG 6450 Birmingham Bulls opening 2020/2021 hockey season on Boxing Day - December 26th
Birmingham Bulls in front of a near capacity crowd on December 28, 2018. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

In England they call December 26 – Boxing Day. For hockey hungry fans of the Birmingham Bulls it is “Opening Night.”

This past week, the Magic City’s favorite “bullies” announced they will be returning back to the ice for a shortened 42 games 2020/2021 SPHL season, including 21 home games.

View the Full Schedule HERE​. Season Tickets are available now by calling 205-620-6870

A Little Bulls History

Birmingham Bulls
Birmingham Bulls – Photo by Pat Byington, Bham Now

Originally founded in 1976, there have been 5 different versions of the Bulls.  This current franchise was established in 2017 after a 16 year hiatus.

Back in the 70s, the Bulls were a hot ticket playing in the World Hockey Association, In 1979, the Bulls final game in the World Hockey Association was played against the greatest player in the history of the game, Wayne Gretzky in front of a crowd of over 8,179 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center.

There were only six teams when the league disbanded. Four teams were accepted in the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers (which became a dynasty thanks to “The Great One”), New England Whalers (renamed the Hartford Whalers), Quebec Nordiques and Winnipeg Jets. Our Bulls were left out.

The Current Bulls

Having gone to several games out in Pelham, let me assure you the Bulls are fun and entertaining.  They are also quirky, as evidenced by their funny videos (see below).

I also love the Bulls tradition of singing “Sweet Caroline” with several thousand fans in between periods.

Season is Fast Approaching

Only a couple months away, mark your calendar to attend the opening on December 26th against the Pensacola Flyers.  Look for season packages too. Before you know it, the 2020/2021 season will be here.

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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