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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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; A view of University of Phoenix Stadium before the 2016 CFP National Championship between the Clemson Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; A view of University of Phoenix Stadium before the 2016 CFP National Championship between the Clemson Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix might be a young, transplant-heavy sports won with little in the way of trophies and titles, but they’re a major player when it comes to hosting big-ticket events. From Super Bowls to NASCAR, this sprawling desert metropolis has become a top-tier destination for fans of all stripes.

Still, the city’s pro-sports history is nothing to scoff at, why with the Diamondbacks notching a historic World Series win over mighty New York Yankees back in 2001 and the Phoenix Suns owning the fourth-highest winning percentage in NBA history (crazy, but true).

The Cardinals, meanwhile, were long the laughingstock of the NFL. Once they moved into their state-of-the-art new stadium, though, the wins just kept on coming, fostering a culture where, for the first time in decades, winning isn’t simply welcome; it’s expected. And while hockey might still be struggling, the city is hopeful it’s youthful core can help turn things around.

With hosting credits for events including collegiate national championships, Super Bowls, All-Star Games, NASCAR, Indy Car, WrestleMania, MLB Spring Training and (soon) the Final Four, Phoenix’s year-round sunshine has helped make it a go-to sports destination.

Next: 9. Cleveland