KINGS FALL IN HEARTBREAKER IN INAUGURAL UFL GAME
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 27, 2026) – The Louisville Kings came up just short in their inaugural United Football League game Friday night, falling to the Birmingham Stallions 15-13 in front of a near capacity crowd of 14,034 at frigid Lynn Family Stadium, where the wind chill slipped to 32 at the end of the game. Birmingham quarterback Matt Corral threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Justyn Ross with 1:55 remaining to wipe out a 13-9 Louisville lead, and the Kings comeback in the final minute came up short.
Louisville led 10-9 after a Tanner Brown 20-yard field goal with 8:37 remaining, only to have the visiting Stallions drive 66 yards in 13 plays, taking 6:42 off the clock before the winning TD pass. The Kings had two chances in the final minute. After taking over at midfield following the ensuing kickoff after a nice return by Jaden Shirden, Louisville quarterback Jason Bean threw an interception inside Birmingham 15 with 1:27 left. After forcing a three and out, the Kings got the ball back at the Louisville 43 with just 24 seconds left, but on first down Bean was sacked for a 7-yard loss and on the final play of the game the Kings tried a hook and ladder, but it only gained five yards,
The two key statistics definitively determined the outcome of the game were turnovers and time of possession – the Kings had three turnovers while the Stallions did not commit any. The other stat of note was Birmingham dominated ball control, having it for more than 38 minutes compared to just under 22 minutes for the Kings. The three turnovers really hurt the Kings, who were driving in the final minute of the first half, only to lose a fumble inside the 1-yard line. Birmingham held a narrow 9-7 lead at the intermission.
Bean threw a couple of interceptions, including one when he was under pressure with 1:27 left that was picked off at the Birmingham 12 as the Kings were trying to drive for a potential game-winning score. However, despite the tough loss, Kings head coach and Louisville native Chris Redman had a lot of positives to take away.
“First of all, it was an incredible atmosphere, the fans showed up and the city did its part,” Redman said. “These guys fought really hard and its hard to do when you have some turnovers and we could not get off the field on third down.” Birmingham coverted 63 percent on third down, going 10 of 16, which extended drives, but until the final two minutes, the Kings made big plays like blocking a field goal and forcing the Stallions kicker into missing a couple of extra points.
The Kings offense got a sterling performance from wide receiver Lucky Jackson, a Kentucky native from Lexington, who was a standout at Western Kentucky. Jackson caught six passes for 76 yards, and scored the Kings only touchdown when he caught a 12-yard TD pass from Bean late in the first quarter to Louisville a 7-6 lead.
When asked about returning to play professionally back in his home state, Jackson said. “I probably had 20-30 people here tonight, and for the fans to show out and make that much noise like they did, any good team wants to see an atmosphere like that.”
The Kings play their first road game of the season next Saturday, April 4 at Orlando. Game time is set for 8:00pm ET and the game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
KINGS GAME NOTES:– A couple of Kings left in the fourth quarter with injuries. Wide receiver Isaiah Winstead, who had two big receptions for 60 yards, left the game early in the 4th quarter with a head injury, while defensive back Kenny Robinson Jr. left late in the fourth quarter with a neck injury.- The winner of the Stallions season-opening game has won the last four league championships(Birmingham won two of those and their opponent the other two).- Bean finished the game with 227 yards passing and a TD while leading the team in rushing with 27 yards.
– The Kings almost played penalty free, committing just one penalty for five yards.
Link to full photo gallery
https://www.jeffnunnphotography.com/Louisville-Kings/2026
Game highlight photos
LOUISVILLE KINGS ANNOUNCE 2026 GAME THEMES
– Limited Giveaways For All Home Games–
LOUISVILLE (February 13, 2026) – Today, the Louisville Kings unveiled their 2026 United Football League (UFL) Theme Game schedule, featuring five home games designed to celebrate Louisville’s culture, unite the community, honor local heroes, spotlight education and inspire the next generation of champions.
From a citywide “Green Out” to a kick off to the Derby with a youth-powered takeover, the 2026 season promises high energy, meaningful impact, and unforgettable experiences at every themed matchup. We will have special guests and performances for every game!
Friday, March 27, 2026, at 8 PM
Kickoff in the ‘Ville, presented by Baptist Health
Be there when the new reign begins.
The Kings will kick off the UFL season by honoring the local culture and community in a city with royal roots, introducing a new team into the family.
For this game, we are asking our fans to put on their best Kings green for a “Green Out.”
Giveaway: Green Kings T-Shirt
Friday, April 10, 2026, at 8 PM
United By Giving – One Kingdom. One Community,
Supporting Louisville Families and Those Who Help To Make Louisville Better
As part of the UFL’s “United by Giving” initiative, the Kings will host United by Giving: One Kingdom. One Community.
This community-focused game will rally fans, partners, and local organizations around a shared cause, reinforcing the power of football to unite and uplift the Louisville community. Through awareness efforts, in-game storytelling, and engagement opportunities, the Kings will demonstrate what it means to stand stronger together.
Giveaway: Kings Clear Tote
Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 8 PM
School Spirit/Pride
502 School Spirit Night
This is a game day designed to celebrate students, educators and school communities by encouraging fans to wear their own school colors and showcasing their school pride.
Giveaway: Special Kings T-Shirt
Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Noon
Hats Off to Heroes
Honoring Those Among Us Who Go Above and Beyond
This day is dedicated to honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom and safety from military to first responders to local heroes making a daily difference in the lives of our community.
Giveaway: Special Kings Hat
Saturday, May 24, 2026, at 4 PM
Youth/Kids Day
Kids Rule the Kingdom
It’s time to celebrate those Junior Kings! This game day will be focused on our area youth and families with all entertainment focused on a kid-focus day.
Giveaway: Coach Chris Redman Bobblehead
Giveaways will be limited to the first 5,000, so we encourage you to show up early for all of the fun pre-game fan activities, which includes a Fan Fest and family-friendly pre-game activities.
Season and single game tickets are now on sale at www.theUFL.com/tickets. Get your tickets early and make sure you are helping support your Kings.
To experience 2026 UFL action, season tickets, as well as Group and Suite packages, are now on sale. Season ticket packages start at just $60 and include the best seats, at the best prices and the most benefits. For more information about tickets, go to uflkings.com.For schedules and broadcast details, please visit www.TheUFL.com.
