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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Apr 9, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs with the ball during the first half of the spring game at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs with the ball during the first half of the spring game at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

26. Norman, Oklahoma

While nowhere near the same population size as its college-football rival to the south, Norman, Oklahoma is home to some of the most loyal fans you’ll find, proving that even a mid-sized city can have an outsized appetite for sports.

Whether it’s, football, basketball (both men’s and women’s), wrestling or softball, the University of Oklahoma boasts one of the best college-sports scenes in America, having churned out countless top-tier professionals and more than its fair share of Hall of Famers.

In keeping with their near-perennial greatness, the Sooners made it to the College Football Playoff a season ago, where they were upended by upstart Clemson. But with quarterback (and Heisman hopeful) Baker Mayfield back in the fold for 2016, the sky is once again the limit for Bob Stoops and Co.

Norman is also home to some of the best barbecue in the country, not to mention legendary wrestler Jim Ross, who doubles as a true Oklahoma superfan, forever donning his black cowboy hat on the Sooner sidelines.

Like many other college towns, Norman’s passion for its university teams rivals that of any pro-sports hub anywhere.

Next: 25. South Bend