Sunset during the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game at Protective Stadium on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

If you are a football fan, last night’s inaugural United States Football League game featuring our hometown Birmingham Stallions against the hated New Jersey Generals did not disappoint — especially the 4th quarter.

A defensive struggle most of the evening, both teams scored 24 points in the final period. Stallions backup quarterback J’Mar Smith, stepped up big time leading a last minute game-winning stampede, scoring the go ahead touchdown with less than 30 seconds on the clock.

Final score:

Birmingham Stallions – 28
New Jersey Generals – 24

Broadcast Nationally By Two Networks

The Easter Eve USFL matchup was broadcast live on national television for the first time since Super Bowl I by two competing networks — FOX and NBC. 17,500 fans made it out to Protective Stadium, despite gloomy weather all-day and at game time . By the end of the first quarter, the skies cleared. Fans on the east side of Protective were treated to a spectacular sunset.

The crowd was an incredible mix of young and old. Since kids were allowed in for free, lots of families were in attendance.

“It is better than it was years ago,” Kenneth Dukes, a Stallions fan from Montevallo told us. “The last USFL game I went to was in the 10th grade. The atmosphere is tremendously better. I really appreciate what Birmingham is doing by having something on this level. It’s an awesome event, and for Birmingham to host for the entire season, can’t beat it.”

Wish you were there? Here are some of our favorite moments during the evening captured by Bham Now photographer Jacob Blakenship.

Birmingham Stallions’ mascot —”Stanley” entering Protective Stadium. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)
Scenes from the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game at Protective Stadium on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)
Scenes from the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game at Protective Stadium on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)
Scenes from the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game at Protective Stadium on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)
Scenes from the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game at Protective Stadium on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)
Scenes from the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game at Protective Stadium on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)
Scenes from the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game at Protective Stadium on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)
Scenes from the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game at Protective Stadium on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)
Scenes from the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game at Protective Stadium on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)
Scenes from the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)
Scenes from the Birmingham Stallions v. New Jersey Generals inaugural USFL game on April 16, 2022. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)