“I’m just glad to be part of the team that brought it back," the Washburn University alum said. "I didn’t see myself being back here in St. Louis playing ball, but I couldn’t be happier that I am able to play in front of my family and friends. I have a lot of high school coaches and friends texting me saying they will be there to support me. It should be a good show for everyone. We’ve had nothing but support. Everyone’s excited, the city’s buzzing, we have a sold-out crowd. It’s going to be loud.”

In the halcyon days of The Greatest Show on Turf, opponents hated playing in The Dome, unable to hear themselves think in the raucous environment.

BattleHawks head coach Jonathan Hayes wants that to again be the case. “I’m hoping it’s just going to be chaotic," he said. "Guys have been on the road for two weeks and we need a little home support and I think we’ll get that.

“I’m glad we have their interest, and the way we can keep it is by giving them a good product by playing hard. Mostly, I want to say thank you (to the fans) and come out and be very loud. Be the 12th man for us. We’ll need them.”

Players have been motivated by fans they meet away from the team facility. Russolino was one of several players that attended a St. Louis Blues game Tuesday night and was impressed by hockey fans wearing BattleHawks gear.

Other players have had similar experiences with fans around town.

"They’re so excited to come to the dome," running back Matt Jones said. "We can’t wait to feel that energy.”

Added quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, “I love the positive vibe the fans give us and everywhere we go. They have a new saying, 'KaKaw.' It’s KaKaw Nation, so I’m excited.”