By: Diego Mendoza & Faris Touleimat
COLORADO SPRINGS, C.O. - The Colorado Stampede of the United Football League touched down Sunday at Weidner Field, introducing pro football to Colorado Springs.
The UFL hosted a launch event that afternoon, unveiling Colorado’s name and branding to the local community. Lines to get into the stadium stretched for blocks throughout the day, showing how excited Colorado Springs is to cheer on its new football team.
Stampede players, WR Tyler Vaughns, CB Ajene Harris, and CB Tra Fluellen attended the event after spending time at a Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC game Saturday, where the team won 2-0 over FC Tulsa. UFL President Russ Brandon took time to speak to fans and introduce Stampede head coach Rick Neuheisel and the players.
Photo: Weidner Field | Coloradoan
These players and their coaching staff carry over from the Dallas Renegades, consistent with head coach Rick Neuheisel. Dallas inherits last year’s Houston Gamblers after the team folded earlier this summer.
Neuheisel returns to Colorado, a state where he has plenty of history. In the early days of his coaching career, he served as quarterback and receivers coach for the Colorado Buffaloes in 1994 before becoming head coach in 1995. He would coach Colorado until 1998, going 33-14 overall.
The Stampede prepares to play its first season in a region with a growing sports culture. The Springs are home to the U.S. Air Force Academy Division I teams, the annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
The team’s identity pays homage to Colorado’s mountainous terrain and local bison population, with a brown-and-gold look distinct from other UFL teams. The team’s helmets and uniforms will be released early next year, alongside the Rhode Island Breakers. Despite the wait, the league may have hit a home run in Colorado’s branding.
Photo: UFL | Instagram
With Colorado’s branding now revealed, all eight UFL teams have their identities in place ahead of the 2027 season. The Stampede will kick off their inaugural home schedule on April 11 at Weidner Field. ABC will broadcast the home opener at 1 p.m. MT.
