In a city where Saturdays in the fall feel almost ceremonial—where waves of scarlet and gray roll toward Ohio Stadium and more than 100,000 voices rise in unison—it takes something truly compelling to spark a new kind of excitement. That’s exactly what the United Football League, also known as UFL, did when it unveiled the Columbus Aviators.  

In October 2025, the UFL announced that an expansion team would be coming to Columbus. With one of the most passionate football fan bases in the country, the city presents an attractive market, particularly given its long-standing loyalty to The Ohio State Buckeyes. The arrival of a professional spring football team could have meaningful economic implications for Franklin County. 

The Aviators will become the first professional spring football team in central Ohio, joining a growing list of UFL markets aimed at expanding football’s reach outside the traditional NFL calendar. While the league hopes the team will boost fan engagement and regional visibility, the broader impact—particularly the economic and community effects— remains an open question. 

Game-Day Spending 

Research on professional sports consistently shows that while game days can produce localized surges in spending—especially in food, drinks, transportation and lodging—the broader economic effect often remains small. For example, a 2026 analysis by Bank of America found that credit and debit card spending in stadium zip codes increases by roughly 77% on NFL game days, driven by restaurants, parking and accommodations.  

However, academic studies repeatedly conclude that these spikes rarely translate into sustained growth at the city or county level. A comprehensive 2022 survey of more than 130 studies found a “near‑universal consensus” that professional sports venues generate very limited measurable economic impact on local economies, rarely justifying large public investments. 

Tourism Effects 

Tourism can see modest gains when professional sports events attract out-of-town visitors—an effect well-documented in major leagues. For instance, according to Illuminating Facts sports-related travel accounted for more than 179 million trips in 2019 and generated $91.8 billion in 2021, showing the power of sports to stimulate hospitality sectors.  

For a spring football team like the Aviators, the scale is smaller, but weekend games may still draw regional fans, particularly given Columbus’s strong identity as a football destination.  

In Franklin County, that identity is built largely around Ohio State football, which drew a record 936,550 fans in 2024, according to College Football Network. Ohio State also sold 55,367 non-student season tickets in 2023, according to The Columbus Dispatch. 

Outside of game days, Columbus’s year-round sports culture—including youth tournaments, alumni events, sports bars and community watch parties—keeps football embedded in local life. This established environment gives the Aviators a built-in audience already accustomed to traveling, spending and gathering around the sport. 

Local sports officials have expressed optimism that Columbus’s reputation will help attract visitors. According to reporting by Mike McCarthy of ABC/WSYX, officials emphasized that Columbus is widely recognized as an “absolute football hotbed,” an identity they believe positions the Aviators to draw regional fans and stimulate local spending. 

Residents share this enthusiasm. Columbus resident Ethan Burchard says the city is a natural fit for a spring football team because of its strong football identity and the number of fans who currently travel long distances to see professional games. Burchard plans to attend an Aviators game this spring, noting that while weather and ticket price may play a role, he wants to experience the new team for himself and “try something new.” 

Community and Cultural Impact 

With ticket prices capped at accessible levels, the Aviators present an entry point for families, young fans and underserved communities to access professional football entertainment. While UFL tickets typically cost between $20 and $40, according to Ticketmaster and league pricing data, the cheapest Ohio State tickets begin at $46 and can reach $200–$450 for major games, according to Ohio State Athletics. 

To understand how the Aviators’ pricing might resonate with younger fans, a student perspective adds clarity. Brady Benedejcic, a senior at The Ohio State University, says affordability is the main reason students are taking notice. “When you’re budgeting for rent, groceries and classes, having a pro team with tickets around $20 or $30 makes going to a game actually realistic,” Benedejcic says. 

Benedejcic adds that the spring schedule could make the Aviators even more appealing. “Spring is more relaxed—people are looking for something to do,” Benedejcic says. 

While the Aviators have yet to announce specific initiatives, the league has emphasized its desire to be “fun, friendly, approachable and accessible,” according to reporting by Jordan Conn of NBC, signaling potential for future collaborations with schools, youth football programs and nonprofit groups. 

The Aviators start their season falling their first two games against the Orlando Storm and the DC Defenders, setting the stage for a season focused on development, adjustment and building momentum.