The Michigan Panthers didn’t finish their UFL season on a high note with a win, but the fanbase absolutely showed out in their week 10 closer at Ford Field. According to Mike Mitchell, over 16,000 fans were in attendance during their 19-12 loss against Houston.
This is a new record for Michigan, dating back to the 2023 USFL. Throughout the season, Michigan was one of the few markets who actually saw improvement in attendance numbers – and they delivered for the final home game of the year.
This weekend’s home record was one that showed how much the Panthers are beginning to resonate with local fans in Detroit. Jake Bates, the UFL-turned-NFL star, was in appearance – and the Panthers ran a bobblehead giveaway as well. The first 2,000 fans who showed up received a Jake Bates bobblehead, and plenty saw their box get signed by Bates himself.
A lot of credit needs to be given to the local marketing team in Michigan, as they ramped up connections and sponsorships during the year. While other cities slumped, the Panthers’ fan base surged with an uptick in attendance and viewership as the weeks went on.
Heading into the season, there were some question marks surrounding the Michigan Panthers. In fact, the Panthers were one of the few franchises who could have been up for talks about relocation, had 2025 not been a success.
However, Michigan saw an average home attendance of 11,681 – up from 8,134 in 2024. That’s a 43% increase from a year ago.