The Iowa Whitetail Bucks semi-pro football team debuted at Ken Locke Stadium on Saturday night.

The Bucks played a preseason game Saturday evening against the Missouri Spartans to kick-off their 2025 United Extreme Football League season. Members of the Knoxville and surrounding communities along with family and friends of the players came out to support the Bucks at their new home stadium. The Bucks fell in the contest 41-35 after the Spartans scored with one second to go. Revenue from concessions and admission will help support the Bucks along with the Ken Locke Stadium Renovation Project. The Knoxville Alumni Association is currently fundraising for a $7 Million improvement project to the stadium to be transformed into a multi-purpose community space with many unique and improved features. Bucks quarterback Hunter Dunbar is happy with the growth of the team, community support, and being able to call Ken Locke Stadium home.

“It’s just good to get the pads back on. After high school we haven’t been able to play a lot. We’ve taken this team from not a lot of players and now we have a bunch of players, sponsors and a home stadium. It’s pretty cool. Hopefully the community comes out and supports us. Getting football back at Ken Locke is pretty special so it means a lot to us.”

Dunbar’s debut at quarterback for the Bucks took an unfortunate turn as he was injured early in the first half.  Hear from Dunbar along with running back Steven Crosby and accounts manager Sydney Dunbar on Wednesday’s Lely Radio Sports Page. For more information about Ken Locke Stadium or how you can contribute to the stadium’s renovation, follow the link here.