Housely
Passionate fans are aplenty in professional and college sports, but true die-hards aren’t just around when teams are winning. Loyal fans are there for the long haul and go all out to show their support on and off season. Such fans are an integral part of their franchises and are an invaluable asset to the sports world as a whole — game days simply aren’t as entertaining without them. With that in mind, here are 10 U.S. cities with real die hard fan bases that are just a cut above the rest.
1. Durham, North Carolina
Durham is home to the famous Duke University, its distinctive brand of sports, and exceptionally wild fans. The school is known for producing wins, especially on the basketball court, and their crowds definitely provide a spirited boost. Without exception, game days here mean packed seats, a sea of blue, and roars of cheering. Don’t worry Wake Forest fans, we know you’re dedicated too.
2. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis had two professional teams with huge fan bases: the Cardinals and the Rams. Major League Baseball’s Cardinals have distinguished St. Louis as a baseball town, and part of the team’s great record is owed to the support received from its voracious fans.
The NFL’s St. Louis Rams are now the Los Angeles Rams, but it’s definitely worth noting that the fans lashed out furiously when they lost their team to LA. They no longer have a football team to support, but they’re really pulling together to be there for each other in their time of grief. And even though they’re hating Stan Kroenke right now, Rams fans in St. Louis still have plenty of love for the players and the game.
There’s also the Blues of the NHL and their fans get pretty rowdy too.
3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is home to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the NFL team that has more Super Bowl wins that any other in the league’s history. Ever heard of the Terrible Towel? Of course you have. It’s a Steelers fan innovation that’s become a game day staple and has even been trademarked. The team loves its fans and the crowds give that love right back every home game. Rowdiness is a guarantee with Steelers fans, but that’s just part of the fun. And don’t forget the Pirates and Penguins either. Also in the college ranks, Pitt has a huge basketball contingent.
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Eagles lovers are known for being brutal to opposing fans and the team itself — at least it can’t be said that they discriminate with their booing. This fan base is strong and they show up and show out on game days, but they’re known for being quite critical and vocal about certain team decisions, poor playing, and losing. Eagles fans don’t limit their reactions to the stand, they’ve also taken to social media to express outrage at losing streaks and revel in the team’s triumphs during happier times. A very close second to Eagles fans would be fans of the Phillies and Flyers.
5. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has several sports team, which means a lot of faithful fans. The NFL’s Chicago Bears are located in the city and even when they’re not enjoying winning seasons, Bears fans are loyal and supportive. Soldier Field doesn’t get empty no matter what the team is going through, and its been this way throughout most of the team’s storied history.
The Blackhawks are also in The Windy City, and this hockey team’s crowds have been revitalized in recent years. Things were looking down awhile back, but now Blackhawks games easily sell out and the franchise has been very successful due to fan support.
When anyone talks about Chicago sports, the Cubs immediately come to mind. One of Major League Baseball’s most historic teams has fans that are the epitome of tried and true. The team has gone well over 100 seasons with absolutely no championship, yet their fans keep patiently waiting for a World Series title and they support the players on game days. That’s real dedication.
And how about those Bulls? Fans are still missing Michael Jordan.
6. Los Angeles, California
The NBA’s LA Lakers couldn’t help but build a huge fan base. It’s one of the winningest and financially successful franchises in the history of professional sports, and they acquire more and more fans each year. Rough patches mean nothing to Lakers lovers, and they know the team will eventually bounce back. In the meantime, they show up faithfully to games and cheer the players on. We can put in the LA Kings and Dodgers here as well, but Lakers fans would argue they’re #1 in LA.
7. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Who can ever forget the cheesehead hats donned by Packers fans? The city only has one professional sports team, and Green Bay Packers fans are noted for being some of the most loyal in the NFL. Lambeau Field has itself become famous due in part to the huge crowds of spectators that pack the stands each home game. The loyalty of the fans has a lot to do with the team’s unique ownership model. Instead of one person or family having ultimate control over everything, the Green Bay Packers are a publicly owned, nonprofit corporation — its been this way since 1923. To sit in the stands, watch your favorite team, and be able to say that you own stock and are really invested in their success must be an incredible experience.
8. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston has a wealth of professional sports teams, and each one has its own highly active, very vocal fan base. The NHL Bruins have experienced a streak of success, and as a result their fan base has grown significantly in number and in passion.
However the most famous fan base in Boston belongs to the Red Sox. This crowd is often referred to as the best fan base in professional sports, and they’ve been faithful to the team through all of its ups and downs. When there were no championships, the crowds were wildly cheering. When the Red Sox revived themselves, the fans became even more proud to rep their team.
9. Foxborough, Massachusetts
The New England Patriots are one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, and their fans don’t mess around when it comes to football. One can say it’s easy to support a team that’s constantly in the Super Bowl, but Patriots supporters rallied around the team well before Tom Brady came along. Home games mean serious business for Patriots fans.
10. Dallas, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, and the state has a devoted football fan base. The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most popular franchises in the NFL, and their fans have been die-hards since the team’s inception. Their mascot’s name is Rowdy, which is a testament to how crazy this fan base can get. There’s also the Mavericks in the NBA and Rangers in the MLB. However, Dallas is “America’s Team” right? Dallas Stars fans aren’t recognized too well.
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