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 24, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10) on deck against the Cleveland Indians during the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10) on deck against the Cleveland Indians during the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

27. Baltimore, Maryland

When it comes professional sports, Baltimore and Washington D.C. — by virtue of both lack of overlap and sheer geographic proximity — share a lot of the same fans.

But Baltimore is a fantastic sports city in its own right, with some of the most passionate fans anywhere. Ravens fans are renowned for their passion, while the Orioles attract one of the oldest and most knowledgeable fan bases in baseball. But beyond the annual Army-Navy game, traditionally held at M&T Stadium, the city hasn’t played host to too many big events.

With the Ravens coming off a down year, Baltimore desperately needs their football team to get back to being a perennial postseason threat — which up until a few years ago was a virtual birthright for Ravens fans.

The good news, of course, is that the Orioles have played exceptional baseball this season, and a playoff run could go a long way in propelling Baltimore even further up the sports-city rankings.

Aside from having a pair of passionate fan bases, Baltimore is home to many professional athletes, including Carmelo Anthony (who moved to the city from New York when he was eight) and all-time Olympic hardware-winner Michael Phelps.

The city’s legendary crab legs alone might’ve been enough to land it on our list. Toss in a bonkers fan base and reams of history, one could make the case this mid-coastal city should be ranked even higher.

Next: 26. Norman