Ranking the best sports cities in the United States
By Mike Dyce
13. Seattle
Seattle might not have as many professional sports franchises on this list – just the Seahawks (NFL) and Mariners (MLB) – but that doesn’t mean it lacks a great sports culture. First, focus on the Seahawks. Their winning ways over the past several seasons, which includes two Super Bowl appearances and one Vince Lombardi trophy, has turned an already rabid fan base up to 11.
Seahawks fans, of the 12th man as they refer to themselves, are some of the loudest in the country. Opposing teams know they’ll have to figure out how to communicate without the ability to hear one another. Add in spectacular downtown views and you have a one of a kind experience.
At the Mariners home, Safeco Field, a WrestleMania was even hosted. Seattle has also been home to NCAA basketball tournaments. Don’t forget that the Washington Huskies also call Seattle home, a Pac-12 school whose football program that is climbing back up to the top under former Boise State coach Chris Petersen.
Not to mention the Seattle Sounders, one of the best Major League Soccer teams in the country, led by star of the US men’s national team Clint Dempsey. The fans create a unique environment for their team that is arguably the best in American soccer. The fans step it up even further when the USMNT come to town to create a true home field advantage.
The U.S. Open was also recently played in Washington at Chambers Bay.
Next: 12. Houston