Great teams come and go, but great sports fans? They stick around through it all. Whether it’s filling stadiums, tailgating in freezing temperatures, or passionately debating their team’s legacy, some states simply do fandom better than others.
We’re ranking the top 15 states with the best sports fans, based on passion, loyalty, and sheer dedication. From college football powerhouses to pro sports hotbeds, these states live and breathe their teams. Let’s get into it!
15. Tennessee
Tennessee fans bring serious energy, whether it’s the sea of orange at Neyland Stadium for the Vols or the diehard support for the Titans, Predators, and Grizzlies. Nashville has become a legit sports city, and with the growing MLS fan base for Nashville SC, Tennessee is on the rise.
14. Colorado
Denver fans are ride or die for their teams. Whether it’s the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, or Avalanche, Colorado fans show up. And let’s not forget about the insanely passionate University of Colorado and Colorado State rivalries.
13. Arizona
Arizona has one of the most underrated fan bases in sports. The Cardinals, Suns, and Diamondbacks have all had their fair share of ups and downs, but their fans remain loyal. The Phoenix Open is one of the rowdiest golf events in the world, and the state’s college football scene is always lively.
12. Georgia
Georgia fans love their teams unconditionally (even when it’s painful). Braves fans pack Truist Park, Bulldogs fans take over Athens, and Falcons fans… well, they’re still recovering from 28-3, but they’re as loyal as they come.
11. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to some of the most diehard sports fans in America. Packers fans own part of their team, Bucks fans turned Milwaukee into “Deer District,” and Badgers fans make every Saturday feel like a festival in Madison. Oh, and don’t forget the cheeseheads!
10. Pennsylvania
Steelers, Eagles, Penn State football, the Flyers, the Pirates, the Sixers—Pennsylvania lives for sports. Philly fans are notoriously intense (and occasionally throw snowballs at Santa), while Pittsburgh fans might be the most loyal in the NFL.
9. Louisiana
If you’ve ever been to a Saints game in New Orleans, you know that Louisiana doesn’t play around when it comes to sports. LSU football has one of the wildest college atmospheres in the country, and the Pelicans are building a sneaky-strong NBA fan base.
8. Michigan
Michigan is home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country. The Wolverines and Spartans rivalry runs deep, Detroit fans are loyal to the Red Wings, Pistons, and Lions, and Ann Arbor on a game day is a bucket list sports experience.
7. Texas
Texas is football country, plain and simple. Whether it’s the Cowboys, Texans, Longhorns, Aggies, or Friday night high school games, Texans live for the game. But it’s not just football—Astros, Mavericks, Rangers, and Spurs fans bring the heat, too.
6. Washington
Seattle sports fans do not mess around. The Seahawks’ “12th Man” is legendary, Sounders FC has one of the best fan bases in the MLS, and the Mariners finally broke their playoff drought thanks to their incredible support. Plus, Kraken fans have already made the NHL’s newest team feel like a powerhouse.
5. Ohio
Ohio sports fans are as passionate as they come. Browns and Bengals fans suffer through brutal seasons but never waver. Ohio State football? One of the biggest college fan bases in the country. And don’t forget about the Cavs, Guardians, and Reds—this state lives and breathes sports.
4. Florida
Florida is a sports mecca—college football dominance (Gators, Seminoles, Hurricanes), strong NFL support (Dolphins, Bucs, Jaguars), and the wildest hockey fans you’ll ever see (Tampa Bay Lightning). With multiple championship wins in the last decade, Florida is thriving as a sports state.
3. California
California is home to some of the most successful sports franchises ever. The Lakers, Dodgers, Warriors, 49ers, and Giants all have massive fan bases, and the state has legendary college rivalries (USC vs. UCLA, anyone?). The only knock? Traffic can make getting to games a nightmare.
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2. New York
Few places take sports as seriously as New York. Yankees vs. Mets. Giants vs. Jets. Knicks fans have stuck around despite decades of heartbreak. Rangers and Islanders fans bring serious energy. And let’s not forget Buffalo Bills Mafia, one of the wildest NFL fan bases out there.
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1. Massachusetts
Boston sports fans are on another level. The Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, and Bruins have all won multiple championships, and their fans demand excellence. The city’s sports culture is unmatched, and whether you love or hate Boston teams, there’s no denying they have some of the most intense, passionate fans in the country.
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