Moving day can be stressful—especially if you’re moving to a bustling new city. And as an avid sports fan, once you’ve unloaded the moving truck, you’ll probably be eager to check out your new home team. Luckily, some of the best cities in the U.S. are also massive sports havens, home to the best professional teams and their die-hard fans. The loyal fan culture in these cities fill the stadiums and sports bars on game day, and spill out into the streets with home-team pride. If you’re making moves to any of these world-class American cities, you have a lot to look forward to.
1. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a very proud city, and home to some of the most intense fans in the nation. Go to one game at Fenway Park when the MLB’s Boston Red Sox are playing against their arch-rivals, the New York Yankees, and you’ll know firsthand how competitive Bostonians can be. As a sports fan living in Boston, you’ll be minutes away from TD Garden, the top-notch arena on the edge of the historic North End neighborhood, where the NHL’s Boston Bruins and NBA’s Boston Celtics draw crowds. And for local football fanatics? The New England Patriots lead Super Bowl-winning seasons just a stone’s throw away from the city center at Gillette Stadium.
2. Nashville, Tennessee
You can bet “America’s Music City” is fit to handle some of the biggest acts in the business. Nashville has some of the largest arenas in the nation, good for packing in masses of local sports fans and music lovers alike. Nissan Stadium is where NFL’s Tennessee Titans kick off (and The CMA Music Festival fills the stands every June), while Bridgestone Arena is the downtown stomping ground of the NHL’s Nashville Predators. Here is also where you’ll find the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
3. Denver, Colorado
Tucked beneath the mountain peaks is this haven for both avid sports fans and active athletes. Aside from being a major destination for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, Denver is known as the home to major pro baseball, football, hockey and basketball teams—to name a few. The Pepsi Center on Speer Boulevard, one of the Denver’s main downtown strips, is where you’ll find the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche. Locals will also enjoy being steps away from Coors Field—where the MLB’s Colorado Rockies hit home-runs—situated in the historic LoDo neighborhood.
4. Seattle, Washington
CenturyLink Field is where the Seattle Seahawks nest, and as a Seattle native, you’ll know when it’s game time here. The crowds at CenturyLink set the Guinness World Record for loudest recorded cheers, twice. And don’t worry about nabbing a ticket—while Seahawks games have sold out since the 2008-2009 season, they add extra seating when there’s a higher demand for a game. For a slightly quieter affair, Safeco Field is where MLB’s Seattle Mariners play. Seats here are complete with skyline views of your new hometown, and a fresh Puget Sound breeze.
5. Dallas, Texas
You better believe this energetic north Texas town—the proud home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys—knows how to draw a crowd. The Cowboys play their home games at AT&T Stadium, but locals have also seen events like WrestleMania, the NCAA Final Four and the Super Bowl here. American Airlines Stadium—where the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and NHL’s Dallas Stars play—was named the fifth busiest stadium in the U.S. by Billboard Magazine. Located smack dab in the middle of the city, game day crowds make Dallas the place to be!
6. Chicago, Illinois
Lucky enough to lay claim to two MLB teams and a pro football, hockey and basketball team, Chicago’s storied sports culture is unlike any other city’s. Soldier Field—where the NFL’s Chicago Bears play—is one of the oldest standing stadiums in use, while historic Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs, is the second oldest stadium in the country. These landmark locations are city staples, and create high energy in the thriving, downtown neighborhoods where they’re located.
If you count yourself as a super sports fanatic moving to any of these American cities, you’re sure to find yourself right at home. These thriving sports cultures are waiting to welcome you with open arms.
About the Author
Adam Young is the founder and CEO of Event Tickets Center, a resale ticket marketplace. When he’s not traveling, he enjoys cheering on the local teams in his hometown of Orlando.
