Fansided

Ranking the best sports cities in the United States

By Mike Dyce

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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Apr 6, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view as a large American flag is unfurled during the playing of the national anthem before the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox on opening day at Citizens bank Park. The Red Sox won 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view as a large American flag is unfurled during the playing of the national anthem before the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox on opening day at Citizens bank Park. The Red Sox won 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Philadelphia

The city of Brotherly Love is home to four major professional sports franchises: the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), Sixers (NBA) and Flyers (NHL).

The Phillies are the only team to bring the city any championship love in recent years, winning the World Series in 2008 and the NL Pennant in 2008 and 2009.

The Eagles have flirted with success, reaching a Super Bowl but losing to Tom Brady and the Patriots. The Eagles seem to be in a good position with Chip Kelly at the helm, contending in the NFC East.

The Sixers on the other hand have become a dumpster fire in the NBA. They’ve had top draft picks, regularly injured players and whatever that situation was with Andrew Bynum. The Sixers were once among NBA royalty but those days have long since passed.

Despite all that, Philadelphia has a cool atmosphere. Lincoln Financial Field (home of the Eagles) and Citizens Bank Park (home of the Phillies) are across the street from one another. This can be fun but also a logistical nightmare when events coincide.

Not to mention, Philadelphia is only a fun sports town if you’re a Philadelphia fan. Not so much when you’re Santa Claus or flying enemy colors on game day.

Still, some major sporting events have come to town. Manchester United and FC Barcelona played at Lincoln Financial Field. The 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final was held in Philadelphia. The city has also regularly hosted the Army–Navy Game, one of college football’s best rivalries.

Next: 20. St. Louis

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