Ranking the best sports cities in the United States
By Mike Dyce
27. Orlando
Orlando doesn’t necessarily make this list for the professional sports franchises it boasts, but rather its location. First, Orlando is home to the NBA’s Magic, a team with young players looking to establish themselves. The Magic also hosted the 2012 NBA All-Star Game.
The city is also home to one of the most exciting soccer players in Major League Soccer, Kaka, who plays for the expansion team Orlando City. When they played their first MLS game at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium it was an atmosphere that would rival that of any soccer club in the world, let alone country. They’ve embraced soccer.
Now, a little over an hour west is Tampa, home to the Buccaneers (NFL), Lightning (NHL) and Rays (MLB). That gives Orlando residents three more professional sports franchises an hour and a half down the road. Not to mention all the spring baseball played in Florida.
Tampa has also hosted four Super Bowls, most recently in 2001 and 2009, that’s within a short drive.
To the east Orlando residents can drive to Daytona in under an hour. There they can witness NASCAR’s Super Bowl, the Daytona 500. It kicks off the season and boasts a plethora of events, and hosts another NASCAR race later in the year.
When it comes to college sports there is plenty to offer as well. Gainesville and the Florida Gators are an hour and a half north as well. Central Florida is near by. Orlando is also home to the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl game.
The Citrus Bowl also hosted the first WrestleMania ever in Florida in 2008.
Next: 26. Cincinnati