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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Jul 20, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of Kauffman Stadium during a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of Kauffman Stadium during a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Kansas City

Kansas City gets a big boost on this list because of the Royals resurgence and success. The Royals climbed up to the top of the American League, earning a World Series berth last where they eventually fell to the San Francisco Giants. They also rank top among the league in 2015, giving credence to their recent success.

Kansas City is also host to the Chiefs of the NFL, a franchise wrought in history and boosted by a rabid fan base. Chiefs fans and Seahawks fans went back and forth competing for the Guinness Book of World Records for noisiest crowd. Arrowhead Stadium also hosted five Big 12 Conference football championship games when such a thing still existed.

Add into the mix that the University of Kansas is just outside of the city, and you bring into the fold one of the country’s premier college basketball programs.

Kansas City is also home to Sporting KC of Major League Soccer, a solid club that won titles in 2000 and 2013. Their home, Sporting Park, has also hosted a pair of World Cup qualifiers for the United States men’s national team and a Gold Cup match.

Add in Kansas City’s legendary barbecue and you got some tailgates that could rival the best. Despite not having an NBA or NHL franchise, what more could a sports fan want?

Next: 18. Atlanta

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