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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Oct 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A general view of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome prior to the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A general view of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome prior to the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

15. New Orleans, Louisiana

There are few cities in the United States — let alone the world — that know how to throw a party like New Orleans. Even when the Mardi Gras parades are over, NOLA remains a go-to destination for those looking to getaway, unwind, and maybe have a beer or 12.

Indeed, it’s no coincidence that both the Sugar Bowl and the Super Bowls are regularly held at the Superdome, which boasts one of the most electric atmospheres — and one of the deepest histories —in all of sports.

The New Orleans Saints are the unquestioned crown jewel of the city, with some of the loudest fans you’ll find anywhere. At the peak of the Drew Brees era, which culminated with an impressive win over Peyton Manning and the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, the Superdome’s sheer noise helped give the Saints a near-unrivaled home-field advantage.

Galvanized by the disastrous Hurricane Katrina, the city’s fanbases have only become more close-knit, with their passion for sports having grown seemingly by the year.

While the Saints continue to fall on hard times, the New Orleans Pelicans are trying to make a footing of their, as they surround superstar forward Anthony Davis with the necessary talent to hopefully make them a perennial playoff threat sooner than later.

Next: 14. Denver