History of UFL championship game in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 17, 2024

The UFL Championship was an annual American football game that determined the champion of the United Football League (UFL). Played from 2009 to 2011, it featured the top two teams in the league's single-division standings. Held one week after the regular season at a predetermined location, the winner received the William Hambrecht Trophy, named after the UFL's founder. The championship game was discontinued after the league folded in 2012.

October 13, 2007: UFL Championship Game Announcement

On October 13, 2007, the UFL announced plans to hold its first championship game, generating anticipation for the league's future.

March 2008: Selection of Sam Boyd Stadium

In March 2008, Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas was chosen to host the inaugural UFL championship game, setting the stage for the league's first championship event.

November 27, 2009: First UFL Championship Game

On November 27, 2009, the Las Vegas Locomotives defeated the Florida Tuskers in overtime, marking the first UFL championship game and the first overtime game in league history.

2009: Rematch of the 2009 Championship

The 2010 UFL championship game featured a rematch of the 2009 championship game between the Las Vegas Locomotives and the Florida Tuskers, adding to the excitement and rivalry.

2009: Introduction of the William Hambrecht Trophy

The William Hambrecht Trophy, named after UFL co-founder Bill Hambrecht, was introduced in 2009 to honor the UFL Championship Game winner.

2009: Inaugural UFL Championship Game

The first UFL championship game took place in 2009, marking the beginning of the league's tradition of crowning a champion.

2009: Versus Broadcasts First Two UFL Championship Games

The first two UFL Championship Games in 2009 and 2010 were broadcast on Versus, providing national exposure for the league.

2009: Postponement and Relocation of the Championship Game

The inaugural UFL championship game, originally scheduled for 2008, was postponed to 2009 but remained in Las Vegas, adapting to the league's evolving schedule.

October 18, 2010: Selection of Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium

The UFL chose Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska, as the venue for the 2010 championship game after considering factors such as ticket sales and team performance.

November 27, 2010: Second UFL Championship Game

The Las Vegas Locomotives triumphed over the Florida Tuskers once again in the 2010 UFL championship game held on November 27, 2010, showcasing a rematch of the previous year's championship.

2010: Unveiling of a New Hambrecht Trophy Design

A redesigned William Hambrecht Trophy was unveiled in 2010, featuring a 3D silver-plated UFL football and plaques to commemorate past and future champions.

2010: UFL Championship Game Schedule Shift from 2010

The 2011 UFL Championship Game saw a shift in scheduling compared to the 2010 season, initially moving to October before reverting back to November, reflecting the league's efforts to optimize its calendar.

2010: Versus Broadcasts First Two UFL Championship Games

The first two UFL Championship Games in 2009 and 2010 were broadcast on Versus, providing national exposure for the league.

July 2011: UFL Championship Game Moved Back to November

In July 2011, the UFL announced that the championship game, initially planned for October, would be moved back to November, aligning with the league's adjusted schedule.

2011: Final UFL Championship Game

The 2011 UFL championship game marked the end of an era, as it was the last one played before the league ceased operations.

2011: Regional Broadcast of the UFL Championship Game

Without a national TV partner in 2011, the UFL Championship Game was broadcast regionally on Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, highlighting the league's limited reach.

2012: Cancellation of the 2012 UFL Championship Game

The 2012 UFL championship game was canceled due to the league ceasing operations after four weeks into the season, marking the abrupt end of the league's run.