The hometown Lions - led by star running back Dan Conroy and a host of other talented performers on both sides of the ball - take on the Nottingham Trent University Renegades at the University of Birmingham's Bournbrook Pitch (Grange Road/South Gate Entrance).
Sky Sports presenter and BUAFL.net writer Neil Reynolds will host the evening with a special appearance from former Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers fullback Cecil Martin.
The Lions head into the new campaign as one of 67 teams hoping to lift the Neil Reynolds Trophy in Leeds at the end of March 2012. Head coach Wayne Hill's men came agonisingly close last time out, losing by a single point to the Portsmouth Destroyers in the 2010-2011 final.
Hill said: "This year's xpLosION event should be even bigger and better than in past years. As a programme we feel very honoured that the University support us in hosting one of the top events in University Sport in the UK. The game is also being filmed by Sky Sports this year.
"Our opposition this year is Nottingham Trent University Renegades who had a great season last year competing in the BUAFL Plate competition. We know they will be well organised, physical and up for the occasion.
"From our point of view we cannot wait for the season to get underway. Our recruitment drive this year has been the best ever and are currently carrying a squad of 92. They vets and rookies have been working extremely hard both on and off the field and we are just eager to transfer the hard work to the field. With the Circus Society, Cheerleaders, Dance Society, food, drink , football and the half-time fireworks the event should be a great night out."
The Lions were ranked seventh in the country during last year's post-season while the Renegades were also a ranked club coming in at number 19 and ready to provide a stern challenge at Xplosion.
The reigning champion Portsmouth Destroyers kick off the defence of their title and were the number-two ranked team in the country in last season's playoffs but head coach Russ Hewitt will be pushing for his club to maintain their mantle at the very top of the pile.
The Destroyers are at home to the Brunel Burners (now in their second season in the BUAFL) on Sunday November 6, while the top-ranked Hertfordshire Hurricanes from last season - led by experienced coach Jim Messenger - visit the KCL Regents in the SEC.
A key clash in the Border Conference sees the Stirling Clansmen - led by head coach Robert Orr - play host to the UWS Pyros. The Clansmen have enjoyed a busy and productive off-season and head into the new campaign in high spirits.
Orr said: "Despite being the UK's smallest university competing at American football, our goal here at Stirling is to always compete at the highest level while also instilling in our young athletes an understanding of their role and personal responsibilities beyond football. To this end, this spring we are launching an out-reach programme into local inner city schools.
"This will see our returning players donate a minimum of two hours of their time per week to our fledgling 7-on-7 youth project."
Week 1 sees several other games on Sunday November 6 that feature two teams who were ranked in the playoffs and plate competitions last season. The Glasgow Tigers visit the Napier Knights in the Border Conference, the Hull Sharks host the Lancaster Bombers in the North Conference, the BNU Buccaneers take on the Southampton Stags in the TVC and the Brighton Tsunami head east to take on the UEA Pirates in the SEC.
For full fixtures visit www.buaf.net