Ranking the best sports cities in the United States

Jun 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling (33) kisses the Stanley Cup up during the 2015 Stanley Cup championship rally at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling (33) kisses the Stanley Cup up during the 2015 Stanley Cup championship rally at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Blackhawks parade makes its way east on Monroe during the 2015 Stanley Cup championship parade and rally at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Blackhawks parade makes its way east on Monroe during the 2015 Stanley Cup championship parade and rally at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

Sports are an integral part of American culture and a way of life. For many fans sports serves as an escape, a distraction from the mundane and stress of your every day life.

Schools and cities rally around sports teams in a way that unites strangers together with one positive and optimistic common bond. During starts to seasons, playoff runs and championship titles, sports bridges the gap between us all and can be something that brings people together that otherwise would have never interacted. It is the tie that binds, the call to arms that we all answer.

In short, sports can be magical.

But some cities are more fortunate than others when it comes to sports. Not every city shares the same sports culture, the winning ways of their respective franchises.

What we’re trying to do here is give an objective look into identifying the best sports towns in the United States. This isn’t limited to strictly professional sports franchises and includes sporting events as well as college athletics.

Obviously championships and marquee events weigh into this discussion as well. Championships being the goal of every sporting endeavor and something that builds and rallies a fan base and consequently the atmosphere.

Without further ado, here are our rankings for the best sports cities in the United States. Feel free to let us know if you disagree.

Next: 30. Milwaukee