Mo Hawks Landing: Where St. Louis Football Fans Turn Tailgating In to Tradition

For many fans of the St. Louis Battlehawks, game day begins long before kickoff. It starts in parking lots filled with grills, music, costumes, and a sea of blue and silver — a culture that has become one of the most recognizable traditions surrounding the team.

At the center of that culture is Mo Hawks Landing, a tailgating hub that has grown into a gathering place for some of the most passionate football fans in the region. What began as a simple idea among supporters has evolved into a community that represents the heart of St. Louis football fandom.

The Birth of Mo Hawks Landing

The roots of Mo Hawks Landing trace back to 2020 when professional football returned to St. Louis with the launch of the XFL. Fans who had waited years for football to return

were eager to create traditions of their own.

One of the early sparks came when Jason Spurgeon from the X Fan Show Podcast connected with Mo Bar and Grill, which had a parking lot available for tailgaters.

The lot sold out within days.

Though the restaurant later closed during the COVID era, the community that formed there never disappeared.

Many of the same fans — including a large and energetic group of Shriners — continued tailgating together. The name Mo Hawks Landing naturally emerged from that foundation: a blend of Missouri pride and the rallying cry of Battlehawks fans.

Even before the first kickoff, the movement had begun online. The founder launched the STL Battlehawks Tailgating Facebook group in 2019 when the announcement came that football was returning to the Dome.

From that moment forward, the culture began to build.

More Than Just a Tailgate

What separates Mo Hawks Landing from a typical game-day tailgate is the sense of community that has developed over time.

Many fans had already bonded during the early days of Battlehawks football in 2020,

creating friendships that carried forward when the team returned.

But the group didn’t stop at simply grilling burgers and cheering for the team.

They began organizing themed events and competitions that turned the parking lot into a festival of football culture.

One of the most popular events has been the Mo Hawks Landing Chili Cook-Off, which debuted in 2024 and quickly became

a fan favorite. Plans

are already underway for a second installment, along with a hot dog cook-off and even themed celebrations like a Cinco de Mayo tailgate.

Fans often arrive in elaborate costumes, bringing creativity and personality to the scene. According to longtime tailgaters, many of the Battlehawks’ most recognizable super fans have either come from or spent time at Mo Hawks Landing.

And the energy doesn’t fade when the season ends.

For many members of the group, the passion for the Battlehawks and football in St. Louis is a year-round commitment.

A Gathering Place for Missouri Football Fans

While the Battlehawks are the focal point, Mo Hawks Landing has become something bigger — a crossroads for football fans across Missouri.

Supporters of the Missouri Tigers football, the former St. Louis Rams, and programs like

Lindenwood Lions football have all found a place within the growing community.

Lindenwood’s recent transition to Division I football has even created new crossover connections. During tailgates at Lindenwood games, fans have recognized members of the cheer squad who also cheered for the Battlehawks.

The overlap reflects something deeper about football in the region — it’s a shared culture.

And as college football evolves with NIL deals and changing recruiting dynamics, many local fans hope leagues like the United Football League could eventually provide opportunities for more regional players to continue their careers professionally.

Regardless of what the future holds, Mo Hawks Landing supporters say they will continue cheering for local programs and players.

The Emotional History of Football in St. Louis

To understand why Mo Hawks Landing means so much, you have to understand the emotional history of football in St. Louis.

For many fans, the passion began with the St. Louis Cardinals — often called the “Big

Red.”

Growing up, Sundays meant Cardinals football.

Even for families who couldn’t afford tickets, the games were a ritual: gathering around the television or listening on the radio together.

Later came the era of the St. Louis Rams, whose explosive offense known as the Greatest Show on Turf electrified the city and filled

the The Dome at America's Center with unforgettable energy.

When the Rams eventually left, the loss was deeply felt across the region.

Yet the love for football never disappeared.

Why St. Louis Still Shows Up

Despite losing two NFL teams over the decades, St. Louis fans continue to show up in

force whenever football returns.

The success of the Battlehawks has proven that point.

Attendance numbers have consistently ranked among the highest in spring football, and the atmosphere inside the Dome often rivals that of established professional leagues.

Fans often say the difference now is that the experience feels more fan-driven.

While the Rams’ championship-era teams featured some of the greatest talent the NFL had ever seen, today’s Battlehawks environment reflects something equally powerful: a city determined to prove that its football culture never left.

The league may still be growing, but the passion in the stands is undeniable.

Looking Ahead

As Mo Hawks Landing continues to grow, its founders hope it becomes a permanent piece of St. Louis football culture.

The vision is simple but powerful — keep building a place where fans from every corner of Missouri football can gather, celebrate, and share their love for the game.

From chili cook-offs and themed tailgates to year-round friendships, Mo Hawks Landing has already become more than a parking lot gathering.

It’s a community.

And in a city that has experienced both the heartbreak and triumph of football, that community may be exactly what keeps the spirit of the game alive for years to come.

Because in St. Louis, one thing has never changed:

The fans are always ready for football.

Ka-Kaw. 🏈

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