On Tuesday, the United States Football League (USFL) announced that the Memphis Showboats will make their 2023 debut at the historic Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
The last time Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium hosted a professional football team was the Memphis Express (AAF) in 2019. They have also hosted the original Showboats (1984-85), Memphis Mad Dogs (CFL), Memphis Maniax (XFL), and the Memphis Southmen (WFL) in the mid-70s. In addition, the stadium hosted the Tennessee Oilers in 1997 while their stadium, Nissan Stadium (formerly Adelphia Coliseum) was under construction.
However, it comes with a cost as the Tampa Bay Bandits will go on a temporary hiatus for the 2023 season. The Bandits on Twitter said, “Thank you, Bandits Fans. We are officially going on hiatus for USFL season 2, but don’t worry, we’ll be back”
The Showboats will represent the South Division and will absorb the entire Bandits’ players and coaching staff as Todd Haley will be the Showboats’ head coach. In addition, the Showboats will share Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium with the Houston Gamblers.
The Showboats played two seasons in the USFL in 1984 and 1985 in the South Division. They were owned by William Dunavant & Logan Young. The Showboats made the playoffs in 1985 but were eliminated by Oakland Invaders 28-19 in the semifinals.
Among the players that played for the Showboats were NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion Reggie White, who had 23.5 sacks and a safety in 34 games before playing for the Philadelphia Eagles.
White played 15 seasons in the NFL for the Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Carolina Panthers with 1,111 tackles, 198 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, 20 fumble recoveries, three interceptions, and two touchdowns in 232 games. He helped the Green Bay Packers to reach two Super Bowls, including winning Super Bowl XXXI over the New England Patriots. In addition, he is a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
One other recognizable player who also played for the Showboats was Larry Pfohl, also known as Lex Luger in the WWF and WCW. He played three games for Memphis in 1984.
Tickets for Memphis Showboats 2023 season are now available.
