Yesterday’s watch party at The Valley Post had everything you would want from a Birmingham night out. Yes, the second half scoreline didn’t go Legion’s way and we ultimately walked away with the loss to Charleston Battery, but if you were with us at Valley Post, you know that was only one part of the story.
The vibes were high from start to finish at our first away watch party of the season, helped along by incredible weather, great food, and a packed crowd. It felt like one of those nights where people weren’t just watching a game, they were part of something.
It also didn’t hurt that Birmingham’s own Chris Richards was back home in Alabama and with us for the event.
For those who may not know, Richards joined Birmingham Legion FC’s ownership group as an investor and part-owner in February 2025, bringing top-level experience and a genuine commitment to helping the next generation of Alabama soccer talent. A Birmingham native, a Crystal Palace centre back, and the U.S. Men’s National Team Player of the Year, he represents exactly what this city can produce, and yesterday he gave that time right back to the people here at home.
Chris joined us before kickoff, with ABC live on site for an exclusive interview.
As he always jokes, “as long as I’m fed, I’ll be anywhere you want me,” so we made sure that was taken care of. Like any smart person would, he made a beeline for Little Donkey tacos, and we can’t blame him. If you haven’t tried them yet, make sure you get down there immediately. From there, he settled in with our fans, and that’s where the night really became something special.
He didn’t just show up. He stayed.
He cheered on the boys, watched the game intensely, posed for pictures, and signed what felt like an endless stream of shirts, kits, and memorabilia. We lost count of how many things he signed, but that almost misses the point. He was there for us, for our fans, and for Birmingham. Every kid, every fan, everyone who wanted a moment got one, and you could see what it meant in real time.
Legion went into halftime 2–0 up and the place was bouncing. Drinks in the air, people on their feet, that shared belief building across the crowd. Legion’s newest MC, Justin Stuckey, a Birmingham native and former All-American athlete, teamed up with Chris to run a halftime quiz that kept the energy high, with “Cubbies” going a perfect 11 out of 11 to win a signed Chris Richards Legion Stars Fell kit, along with a signed adidas Trionda USA Club League ball inspired by the upcoming World Cup. Prior to the event, Chris also joined Justin as a guest on his podcast, which you’ll be able to listen to once it goes live, but in the meantime go check out his other episodes here.
“This is what it’s all about,” said Stephanie Wood, VP of Marketing and Fan Engagement for Birmingham Legion FC. “The fact we have someone like Chris, an incredible role model, willing to take the time to genuinely connect with our fans means everything. Seeing the kids, and not-so-little kids, light up when he arrived and spend real time with him was special.”
“The venue is incredible, and so is he. I just hope this helps shine a light on what we’re building here in Birmingham, a club that’s rooted in the community and growing with it. In a year where the World Cup is on home soil, and one of our own is playing in it, it really is once in a lifetime.” – Wood continued.
We also launched our exclusive Chris Richards merchandise line at the event, giving those in attendance first access before it goes online to the general public. It felt right that it started there, with the fans who showed up and continue to build this club with us.
Even as the match turned in the second half, the feeling inside Valley Post didn’t. Because nights like this remind you what we’re actually building here.
Chris was with us before departing to Atlanta to join the U.S. Soccer Federation camp, with a March 28 match against Belgium national team, which also happens to fall on his birthday. As he heads off to represent club and country on the world stage, Birmingham is right behind him.
Chris Richards. One of our own.
If you wanna come hang with Legion at our other watch parties check out our full season Away Watch Party schedule below and lock in your dates!
