Ranking the Top 5 Sports Towns

Winston-Salem, NC – To follow-up on the last blog of categorizing cities by sport, I thought that it would be appropriate to rank the top 5 best sports towns in America. I have traveled to most of the major cities in America. With my knowledge of baseball ballparks, football stadiums, arenas, and travel experience, I hope that my list below expands on “sports in America.”

5. Denver – On the national level, this city is extremely underrated. Outside of the city, there is a wide range of activities that one can engage in. Skiing, snowboarding, and mountain climbing take precedent in the winter, while biking, kayaking, fly fishing, and hiking rule the summer. But within the city limits, the citizens of Denver are extremely passionate about their Rockies, Broncos, Avalanche, and Nuggets. Out of the four major sports, football and the Broncos are the top team. During my recent trip here, I noticed an overwhelming amount of bumper stickers on cars, neon bar signs, and street signs referencing the back-to-back Super Bowl titles a decade ago. In the early 90’s the city successfully lobbied MLB for the Rockies. Denver was also the recipient of the Quebec Nordiques move in 1994. The Avalanche have since won 2 Stanley Cups. On summer nights, you can find the “LoDo” section of downtown filled with Rockies’ fans, spilled over from the game. Again, this city is a much underrated sports town on the national level.

4. St. Louis – I placed this city in the top 5 because it’s the top baseball town in America. Other than the New York Yankees, no team has won more World Series titles than the Cardinals. It was only fitting that during the inaugural year of their new ballpark, Busch Stadium, that the Cardinals won the World Series. At every home game, each fan sports red for the Redbirds. With few large cities within range, the Cardinals fan base expands to the uncharted territories of Arkansas, Tennessee, central Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, and even down into Mississippi. Before the Dodgers and Giants moved west in 1958, the Cardinals owned the western United States. Aside from the Cardinals, the Rams routinely sell out the boring Edward Jones Dome for home games. Currently, the Blues are playing uninspired hockey, but when they return to competitiveness, you’ll never have realized that they were gone.

3. New York – With its massive population, of course, New York would fall on the list. With the exception of basketball, New York has two teams for every sport. While the Yankees, Giants, and Rangers make the headlines, I’m told that the “real New York fans” pull for the Mets, Jets, and Islanders, respectively. If fans throw batteries at players, boo their ace pitcher after a lackluster performance, and claim that making the playoffs (but not the World Series) is a bust; this city definitely belongs on the list. At age 13, while cheering for a Redskins’ touchdown in 18 degree weather at Giants’ Stadium, Giants’ fans proceeded to chuck snowballs at me.

2. Chicago – With only five outs to go until a World Series birth in 2003, Steve Bartman unwittingly stuck out his hand to prevent Moises Alou of the Cubs from catching the ball. We all know what happened from there. However, reaching the playoffs caused Mr. Pearl to shed a tear. While the Cubs dominate the headlines in the Windy City, it’s the White Sox who have recently won a World Series. I’m told by the natives that Da Bears are the team that owns the city. A ticket to Soldier Field is hard to find, even if the Bears are awful. The Bulls have returned to respectability after being in a trough following the Jordan era. The Blackhawks, who were amazing in the 1980’s, will be the city’s 5th team as long as the current ownership is in place. The city has historic landmarks in Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. A sportsman’s paradise…

1. Boston - I was able to experience “Red Sox Nation” last summer with a four day trip to Beantown. Yawkey Way along the 3rd base line was closed off for a massive block party on a Monday night! Before I die, I would love to sit on top of the “Green Monsta.” In Boston, it is a “nation” with fans slapping five’s following wins and patting shoulders during losses. If you’re wearing a Red Sox shirt in a different city, you’ll have an instant bond with a fellow supporter if your paths should cross. I had an unbelievable experience in Boston, and no, I’m not a Sox fan. The Patriots have a dynasty in the NFL with Bill Belichek and Tom Brady. Yet, the Pats take the back seat behind the Sox. The Celtics, while currently in a rebuilding era, are still considered to be a “historic” franchise. The Bruins, along with all of the NHL teams, are the bottom of each city’s priority list. However, in most towns, the Bruins would top most cities’ signature team in terms of attendance, merchandise, and general fan interest.

I have never visited St. Louis; however, I have frequented the other four cities. Each offers its unique method of pulling for the home team. Most notably, the fans of Boston (Red Sox) almost convert you into a fan.