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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Jul 4, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; A view of the 4th of July ceremony before the game between the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 4, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; A view of the 4th of July ceremony before the game between the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Bay Area

There’s little debate about which city has dominated the sports landscape since 2010: the Bay Area, where just about every team has played a part in contributing to a championship atmosphere.

The San Francisco Giants have won three World Series titles since 2010, and have as good a shot as any of winning a fourth in 2016. With Bruce Bochy at the helm, the Giants have been the best-run organization in baseball, not to mention one of the most picturesque stadiums anywhere in the world.

The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, are the hot team in the NBA. And while they lost the NBA Finals in dramatic fashion this past season, the Dubs still managed to win a NBA-record 73 wins during the regular season — and in front of one of the best (and loudest) fanbases anywhere. With Kevin Durant now teamed alongside All-Stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors stand to be even better this year. And that’s terrifying.

While never the region’s first passion, the San Jose Sharks recently notched their first-ever Stanley Cup appearance, ultimately losing to Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As for football, the 49ers are in the midst of a full rebuild, despite three recent NFC Championship Game appearances and coming within mere inches of winning their sixth Super Bowl. Even the long-languishing Oakland Raiders have three Super Bowl wins to their credit.

Next: 4. Pittsburgh