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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May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of the court during player introductions before the game between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of the court during player introductions before the game between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Houston

Houston is seeing their sporting fortunes turn up in recent seasons. The city is home to three major professional sporting franchises: the Texans (NFL), Astros (MLB) and Rockets (NBA). The Dynamo of Major League Soccer also call Houston home.

Let’s start with the Texans, they’ve flirted with success a time or two in recent seasons and have been a contender in their division at times. Right now they’re led by one of the most exciting defensive players in the league, J.J. Watt.

The Astros were the doormat of Major League Baseball for years, but the front offices tireless work as paid off and their a contender in the American League West at the moment, and possibly a favorite after  a big trade for Carlos Gomez.

Then there are the Rockets, one of the best teams in the Western Conference and falling just short of an NBA Finals appearance in 2015. The team is led by a pair of stars in Dwight Howard and James Harden, who was in the MVP conversation alongside Steph Curry. There is lot of promising basketball that lies ahead.

Outside of those major sports, the Dynamo have played in four MLS Cup Finals over the past nine seasons, winning twice. The city is a regular home to the UFC and will host the light heavyweight title bout between Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192 in October of 2015. It will be the fourth UFC event held at the Toyota Center since 2007.

Houston also hosted the Super Bowl in 2004 and will host it again in 2017. The MLB All-Star game came to town in 2004. The NBA All-Star Game came to town in 2006 and 2013.

Houston also is a frequent destination for the WWE. The company’s biggest pay-per-view event, WrestleMania XXV, was held at Reliant Stadium. The also held the following pay-per-views in Houston: WWE No Mercy (2005), WWE Vengeance (2007) and WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2010, 2013). The WWE will return in September of 2015 for Night of Champions.

Next: 11. Phoenix

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