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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Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of Sports Authority Field at Mile High prior to the game between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of Sports Authority Field at Mile High prior to the game between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Denver

Denver is home to a professional sports franchise in each of the North American big four: Broncos (NFL), Rockies (MLB), Nuggets (NBA) and Avalanche (NHL). They’re also home to a Major League Soccer franchise.

The city doesn’t get a lot of major sporting events because of the altitude, outdoor facilities and chance for snow seemingly all the way through May. But that hasn’t hindered the sports culture in the city.

The Broncos under Peyton Manning have become perennial contenders and lost to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl two seasons ago, it was their first trip to the championship game since the days of John Elway in the late 90s.

The Avalanche were a once dominant franchise that are back on the rise. The Rockies and Nuggets have struggled, and the Rockies just shipped off their star shortstop in a trade.

The Colorado Buffalos aren’t far away in Boulder, a Pac-12 athletic program. The Winter X-Games have been hosted in Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, Colorado for over a decade. Major League Soccer held their 2015 All-Star game in Colorado as well.

Next: 14. Indianapolis