America is known for many things: technological innovation, fast food, and a lively sports scene. Most of the major sports originate or were popularized within America and it’s in every sports fan to watch a game or visit an iconic locale within the country.
What’s even better is that the local sports betting laws have started loosening up. At least 22 states in the country, with Maryland being the latest to legalize sports betting, have sports betting action.
Every sports team creates its own set of culture that brings together different elements of society. There’s the financial and technical aspect within the sports betting realm, the arts and entertainment portion with team design, and traveling and tourism with sports venues.
America is the place to visit for sports tourism with each state, city, or venue offering a piece of history and culture. Looking everything up will require a textbook, but we put together a small list of where to begin.
Places every diehard sports fan must visit in America
Lambeau Field (Green Bay, WI)
This tops the list of any football fan’s bucket list. The iconic Lambeau Field is the oldest continually operating NFL stadium and has an extensive list of historic football events from being dubbed “Titletown, USA” in the early 60’s to the Frozen Tundra of 1967.
The stadium is home to the NFL’s most beloved franchise, the Green Bay Packers and together, they are the only team and stadium to be completely owned by the fans. For its immense history and football tradition, Lambeau Field is one to visit for fans looking for the authentic American football experience.
New York City, NY
New York City boasts a record TEN major league sports teams: two for each pro league from the NFL to MLS. Collectively, NYC has won 50 championships including the Yankees’ 27.
Speaking of the Yankees, arguably the most popular sports team in the world, visiting Yankee Stadium is a no-brainer. Madison Square Garden is also just as iconic as the Yankees hosting not just the Knicks and Rangers but a slew of historic sporting events like the “Fight of the Century” between boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Boston, MA
Boston has transformed itself into the “City of Champions” in recent years with all of its “Big Four” teams winning a championship in the last decade.
Of course, Boston’s sports tourism goes beyond just having four amazing teams. The historic Fenway Park is the oldest active ballpark in the majors and the Boston Celtics are eponymous to the NBA representing the state where basketball was invented.
Camden Yards (Baltimore, ML)
Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park may be more recognized, but Camden Yards is the pinnacle among American ballparks.
The Orioles’ home turf popularized the concept of “retro” major league ballparks and has often been copied. Several parks like the PNC Park in Pittsburgh and Oracle Park in San Francisco, two must-visit ballparks in their own right, were both inspired by Camden Yards.
San Francisco, CA
“Bay Bridge – San Francisco” by KP Tripathi (kps-photo.com) is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
When it comes to representing the sports scene in the West Coast, San Francisco edges out Los Angeles by way of being more scenic.
The Bay Area is home to a plethora of quality sports teams like the Giants in baseball, the 49ers in football, and the Warriors in the NBA. The Giants play in Oracle Park, arguably the best sports venue for sports tourists. Its picturesque view is one to behold.
Las Vegas, NV
Sin City is not only the “Gambling Capital of the World” but also offers a unique sports scene on its own. Previously barren of any major league teams, Vegas has since acquired a hockey team (Vegas Golden Knights) and a football team (Las Vegas Raiders).
But that’s only for starters. Vegas is also the “Fight Capital” and constantly features UFC and major boxing events. Several motorsports, golf, and even rodeo are featured.
More places to visit in America for sports fans
With all the sports history in America, it was all but impossible to fit everything. But here are a few more places sports fans should put on their checklist:
- Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX)
- Philadelphia, PA
- Augusta National Golf Club (Augusta, GA)
- Chicago, IL
- Los Angeles, CA
Visiting these places isn’t just about taking in the sports scene, but basking in the different character each state or city has. And that’s the beauty in a place like America. There is something for everyone and that includes even the most eclectic sports fan.