By Jim Carchidi
March 16, 2026
Training camp is winding down and the Orlando Storm is nearing its United Football League debut. The 8 p.m. matchup against the Columbus Aviators on March 29 at Inter&Co Stadium will help kick off the league's third season, and feature new rules and a halftime performance by Grammy Award-winning producer, DJ Khaled.
Gearing up for game day
Orlando Storm head coach Anthony Becht speaks with members of the media during a March 16 Zoom call.
In a March 16 media call, head coach Anthony Becht said the Storm looks like an NFL team and praised player performances in two joint practice sessions. Becht, who previously head coached the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks, was familiar with some players on the Storm's roster but most – approximately 90% – are new to the league.
“There are no preconceived notions about any of these players,” he said. “They have an equal opportunity to go out there and prove themselves.”
Mike Repole has been repping the Storm and the UFL leading up to the league's 2026 season opener. Photo by Jim Carchidi
UFL co-owner Mike Repole has also done his part to prime the public for the 2026 season with appearances on ESPN, FOX Sports, and on social media. “He brings a refreshing leadership quality,” Becht said of Repole. “He does a nice job of trying to shake things up in a way that’s just enough to get the league juiced a little bit.”
New rules, faster play
One plan to shake things up involves new rules. The 2026 season will usher in a set of changes aimed at raising the stakes of each play and speeding the pace of every game. Among them is the elimination of the Tush Push, in which players push the quarterback toward the line of scrimmage after the snap. Players will also be required to have only one foot in bounds for a legal catch, and successful field goal attempts made from 60 yards and beyond will be worth four points. Additional rule changes include the following:
- Kickoffs will happen from the 30-yard line and the kickoff team will line up at the opponent’s 45-yard line.
- Prior to the two-minute warning of either half, no punts will be allowed from anywhere inside the 50-yard line.
- Teams will alternate overtime scoring attempts from the five-yard line.
- The league will observe the NFL rule of half the distance to the goal for penalties committed in the Red Zone.
Khaled Khaled
The March 29 game will be broadcast on ESPN and the Storm’s “407 Kickoff” celebration will feature halftime headliner, DJ Khaled.
His award-winning catalog includes collaborations with Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Kanye West. Khaled has more than 20 million singles, 6 million albums, and 4 billion streams to his credit, and his 2021 album “Khaled Khaled” features the 3x multi-platinum single “Every Chance That I Get,” featuring Lil Baby & Lil Durk.
Beyond the opener
The home opener will be the first of five games at Inter&Co Stadium during the UFL's 10-game season. A theme night schedule is designed to celebrate community pride, youth engagement, and Central Florida’s first responders.
- April 4, United by Giving: Inspired by the league’s “Stronger Together” initiative, fans are encouraged to participate in in-game and community-driven charitable efforts. The first 5,000 fans will receive a clear Storm tote bag.
- April 25, Storm School Spirit Showcase: Students, alumni, faculty and families from across Central Florida are invited to rep their school colors and to bring donations of new backpacks, notebooks and school supplies for local students in need. The first 5,000 fans will receive a Storm t-shirt.
- May 3, Jr. Storm Day: The family-focused game celebrates youth sports and fans can donate new or gently used sports equipment to Sports 4 The Kids to help local children get in the game. The first 5,000 fans will receive a commemorative Storm coin, courtesy of Orlando Health.
- May 22, Hats off to Heroes: The Storm will honor military members and first responders. Special ticket packages will include bulk tickets donated to service members through Vet Tix, as well as Orlando Health doctors, nurses, EMTs and healthcare professionals. The first 5,000 fans will receive a commemorative “Hats Off to Heroes” cap.
Single-game tickets, season tickets, groups, and theme night packages are available at Storm Ticket Central.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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