FORT HOOD, TEXAS — The United Football League staged the first professional football game played on an active U.S. military base Friday night, with the Dallas Renegades facing the Orlando Storm at Phantom Warrior Stadium on Fort Hood, Texas. The nationally televised matchup drew a crowd limited to military personnel, their families and others with access to the installation.

The contest was part of the UFL's "Hats Off to Heroes" initiative, a league-wide effort honoring service members, veterans and their families. League officials said the game was designed to celebrate military families and express gratitude to service members for their sacrifices.

UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon said the event carries additional meaning as the nation approaches America's 250th birthday. "It's an honor to be part of history," he said.

Favion Kirkwood, who attended the game, described the gathering as a chance for the military community to come together around a major sporting event. "I feel like it's a pretty good opportunity for us to go and experience something big," Kirkwood said. "It's just a great environment for everybody that's in the military as well, just for us to come together as a community and just enjoy a big event like a football game out here."

Bryson Collins, who attended the game with his father, also spoke about the experience. "My dad is in the military, and he brought us out to this game," Collins said. "I'm so happy the whole community came out here to have fun and watch the game."

Collins said the occasion stood out because of its place in the sport's history. "That's really important, man," he said. "It's history, man. First time for everything." Fans packed the stands for the matchup, which was also available to a national television audience.