Fansided

Ranking the 30 best sports cities in America for 2016

By Charles Rahrig V

Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Fans walk on the Hope Memorial Bridge after the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Fans walk on the Hope Memorial Bridge after the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 8, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (4) celebrates after being hit by a pitch by Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Ross Ohlendorf (not pictured) allowing the game winning run to score during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (4) celebrates after being hit by a pitch by Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Ross Ohlendorf (not pictured) allowing the game winning run to score during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

19. St. Louis, Missouri

The sudden usurping of the Rams might’ve left a black eye on the city, but St. Louis has long been one of the most sports-loyal fanbases anywhere. And if the NFL one day decides to expand once again, you can bet the Gateway City will be on the shortlist of potential landing spots.

The big team in town, of course, is the St. Louis Cardinals, why with the 11 World Series titles and a history that includes some of the best to ever play the game. Polarizing as they might be to the rest of the league, the city’s fans are second to none, packing Busch Stadium to capacity throughout the summer and turning out en masse no matter where the team’s road travels take them.

While not a perennial powerhouse, the St. Louis Blues came close to reaching the Stanley Cup Finals this past season, falling just short to the San Jose Sharks. Even so, the Blues boast one of the toughest rosters in hockey, with a raucous and rowdy fanbase to boot.

Throw in the first-class American cuisine, the iconic arch, and the city’s history as a brewing behemoth, you have all the makings of a truly unique sports mecca.

Next: 18. Minneapolis