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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Jun 11, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; General view during introductions prior to game four of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; General view during introductions prior to game four of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Cleveland

This has a lot to do with LeBron James, and that’s alright. Cleveland is home to just three professional sports franchises: the Cavaliers (NBA), Browns (NFL) and Indians (MLB). The Indians consistently flirt with the playoffs, the Browns consistently flirt with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and the Cavaliers flirt with NBA titles with James.

LeBron James has returned to Cleveland and led an injury depleted team to the NBA Finals in 2015, losing to the Golden State Warriors in the process. Still, James presence in Cleveland creates a sporting atmosphere like any thing else and he brought one of the major four North American’s sports championship game to town.

That enthusiasm and optimism James brings to the Cavaliers floods over to other Cleveland sports franchises. He can single-handedly lift the entire downtown economy by donning a Cavaliers uniform as fans flock to the Quicken Loans Arena.

The Indians have reached the post season three times since the turn of the millennium, most recently in 2013 as a Wild Card team. They’re at the bottom of a tough division right now, but just barely under .500.

Despite their losing ways, Cleveland sports fans rally behind their team with unconditional support. James is seeking to end that drought creating a unique sports atmosphere to any city in the country.

Not to mention the Browns have Johnny Manziel, a wild card who could still prove to be an exciting player in the NFL if his offseason lifestyle changes pay off on the field. Cleveland also hosted the 2014 WWE pay-per-view event, TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs.

Next: 16. Minneapolis

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