On Friday, the United Football League (UFL) announced their locations for the first round of the playoffs in 2026. Columbus, Ohio will host Orlando’s game, while the St. Louis Battlehawks will host a postseason matchup for the third year in a row.
Orlando Storm’s playoff game will be held at a neutral site in Columbus, Ohio at the Historic Crew Stadium.
The UFL explored every option to keep the game in Central Florida, but venue availability, renovations, broadcast needs, and logistical constraints made it impossible.… pic.twitter.com/ayLu6ffzT6
— Orlando Storm (@UFLStorm) May 29, 2026
It’s a tough break for Orlando, and the league, moving this game to Columbus. The Storm have a 7-2 record, earning the right to play at home this postseason, finishing as a top-two seed. Inter & Co Stadium, home to the Orlando Storm, is not available on June 7th, when the UFL playoffs will take place.
In a statement released by the league, it was revealed that alternative options in the Orlando, Florida area were identified, but none were available:
“The UFL worked extensively to identify all potential options and find an alternative venue to keep the game in Central Florida. However, the largest football-capable venues in Orlando and the surrounding area are either already in use or under renovation, including UCF’s Acrisure Bounce House stadium and Camping World Stadium. Additional venues were also evaluated, but were not viable options due to broadcast requirements and operational and logistical constraints.”
This has resulted in Historic Crew Stadium being the host venue for a neutral site next weekend. The Orlando Storm will “host” the DC Defenders, Louisville Kings, or Birmingham Stallions in that matchup – depending on how the seeding plays out tonight, and into Sunday. HCS was a tremendous venue added to the UFL this year, home to the Columbus Aviators – who have won three games at home this year.
On the other hand, the UFL also announced that St. Louis will be hosting a playoff matchup. With a 6-3 record, and tiebreakers over the DC Defenders, the Battlehawks have clinched a home postseason game for a third year in a row. It’ll be their first chance to win a playoff game, after going 0-2 the past two seasons. St. Louis will also have the chance to play DC, Louisville, or Birmingham. depending on how the cards fall.
The UFL’s “United Bowl”, a new name for the Championship, will be played on June 13th, at Audi Field in Washington D.C. at 3pm ET.
See also
Official Orlando Press Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 29, 2026) – Following the Orlando Storm’s Week 9 win this past weekend against the DC Defenders, 27-19, the Storm earned the opportunity to host a postseason game as a No. 1 or No. 2 seed on Sunday, June 7. Unfortunately, Inter&Co Stadium is unavailable on that date due to prior commitments connected to hosting an international soccer match. As a result, the United Football League today announced that the Storm’s playoff game will be played at a neutral site in Columbus, Ohio, Sunday, June 7, at 3 p.m. ET. The game will also air nationally on ABC.
The UFL worked extensively to identify all potential options and find an alternative venue to keep the game in Central Florida. However, the largest football-capable venues in Orlando and the surrounding area are either already in use or under renovation, including UCF’s Acrisure Bounce House stadium and Camping World Stadium. Additional venues were also evaluated, but were not viable options due to broadcast requirements and operational and logistical constraints.
Based on these factors, the game has been moved to a neutral site, Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus, home of the UFL’s Aviators, has quickly become an exciting new market for spring football, joining Orlando as one of three new UFL teams in 2026.
“We recognize and appreciate the passion of our Orlando fans. Their support has helped build the foundation for this exciting first season, and we understand the disappointment that comes with moving a playoff game out of the market,” said UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon. “This decision was made only after exhausting available local options, and with great care for ensuring the game is presented at the level our fans deserve. We remain committed to the greater Orlando area and are grateful for the continued energy, loyalty, and pride of our local fanbase.”
To ensure fans across the regions can still be part of the playoff experience in cheering on their Storm, the league and team will host watch parties in the area. These events will offer complimentary food and beverages, raffles and giveaways, special appearances by the team’s mascot Kratos and the Storm Surge hype team, as well as other activities designed to celebrate the excitement of Orlando Storm playoff football. Fans interested in attending the game can buy tickets here. Additional details will be shared in the coming days.
What are your thoughts on these UFL Playoffs decisions made by the league? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
