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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Nov 9, 2013; Berkeley, CA, USA; General view of the San Francisco skyline and the Bay Bridge before the NCAA football game between the Southern California Trojans and the California Golden Bears. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2013; Berkeley, CA, USA; General view of the San Francisco skyline and the Bay Bridge before the NCAA football game between the Southern California Trojans and the California Golden Bears. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

5. San Francisco/Bay Area

San Francisco and the surrounding area is a hot bed for talent. We’re lumping Oakland and San Jose in under the “Bay Area” umbrella as well. There are six professional sports franchises in the Bay Area.

NFL: San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders

MLB: San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics

NBA: Golden State Warriors

NHL: San Jose Sharks

While the Raiders have been a dumpster fire since their Super Bowl run of over 10 years ago, the 49ers have been regular contenders under Jim Harbaugh, but he has since departed. The 49ers reached a Super Bowl, but lost to Harbaugh’s brother and the Baltimore Ravens.

The Golden State Warriors just ended a four-decades long title drought defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James to win the 2015 NBA Title.

The San Jose Sharks have been very successful, winning six division titles since the turn of the millenium.

The most prolific sports franchise in the Bay Area has been the San Francisco Giants. They had their run with Barry Bonds as he chased home run records, and since they’ve won three World Series titles in the past five seasons. Their ball park also played host a college football bowl game for a period of time, as well as the United States men’s soccer team.

The Bay Area and their new Levi’s Stadium hosted WrestleMania 31 and will host Super Bowl 50 at the conclusion of this NFL season. It has also become home to the Pac-12 college football championship game.

Then take into account the University of California at Berkley, a Pac-12 school and you have everything a sports fan could want.

Next: 4. New York City

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