The 50 Best College Town Sports Scenes

If you love live sports and you're trying to determine which college or university to apply to or attend, our list may help you make your decision. And whether you're college-aged or not, learn about the best American collegiate sports scenes to check out and see if you're town is on our list!

 


A lot of good things happen when the passion of athletic competition meets the excitement of attending a university. That's why college sports has so many ardent and passionate fans.

When it comes to higher learning and athletic competition, you really can't go wrong. There are, however, some college towns that separate themselves from others.

Below, is a list of the 50 best college town sports scenes in America. These towns vary in size and are scattered all over the country.

Some of our selections are home to just one college while others are home to multiple schools. Some have multiple professional franchises while others only have collegiate teams.  

Regardless of the size of the school, or the number of sports supported by their respective athletic departments, all our selected towns provide that little something extra for sports fans.  

That something extra can be professional sports teams, annual sporting events, recreational options for weekend warriors, and of course, large athletic departments.

If you care as much about touchdowns, dunks, and strikes as you do about grades and degrees then you need to go to college in one of the following fifty towns.

 

 

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor is famous for being the home of the Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines athletic department is consistently one of the top sports programs in the nation. There are few places in the United States that can match the enthusiasm and pageantry of a Wolverines football game.

The team's rivalry with the Ohio State Buckeyes is probably the best in college sports. Michigan Stadium, nicknamed "The Big House", is the University of Michigan football stadium in Ann Arbor. It is the largest stadium in the U.S. Cleary University and Concordia University Ann Arbor also have venerated athletic departments. Both are National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) schools.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Cleary University
  • Concordia University Ann Arbor
  • University of Michigan

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Crisler Center
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Yost Ice Arena


Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina proves that you don't need a football team to be a great sports town. Neither the Division I UNC Asheville Bulldogs or the NAIA Montreat Cavaliers compete on the gridiron. About 25 minutes to the south, Division II Mars Hill Lions play football and they do so in the South Atlantic Conference.

Overall, the UNC Asheville Bulldogs anchor the town's collegiate athletics. They're a Division I school and members of the Big South Conference.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Mars Hill University
  • Montreat College
  • University of North Carolina at Asheville

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Kimmel Arena
  • McAlister Gymnasium
  • McCormick Field
  • Meares Stadium
  • Memorial Stadium


Athens, Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs compete in 19 varsity sports. For your pro sport fix, the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and Atlanta Hawks are just 90 minutes away. Augusta University and Piedmont College aren't headquartered in Athens, but the former has a partnership with UGA and the latter has a satellite campus within city limits.

Nonetheless, both schools are close to Athens. The Piedmont Lions are a Division III school. The Augusta Jaguars compete in Division II except for golf where they compete in Division I.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Augusta University
  • Piedmont College
  • University of Georgia

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Gabrielsen Natatorium
  • Sanford Stadium
  • Stegeman Coliseum

 

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta cheers for franchises in Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, NBA, NFL, and WNBA. For college sports, the city has the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Georgia State Panthers, Morehouse College Maroon Tigers, and Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels. College football is especially popular in the ATL. 

In 1892, Atlanta hosted the second college football game ever played in the South—the University of Georgia versus the A&M College of Alabama (now known as Auburn University). Bobby Dodd Stadium is the oldest on-campus Division I football stadium. It was built in 1913. Annually, Hotlanta hosts the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Georgia State University
  • Morehouse College
  • Oglethorpe University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • SunTrust Park
  • Philips Arena

 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The LSU Tigers football team gets all the attention, but their baseball team has won six national championships since 1991. Southern University fields 13 athletic programs and they have a fierce rivalry with Grambling. Their annual football game, known as the Bayou Classic, is broadcasted on NBC. The Big Easy is less than two hours away. Go there to watch the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Louisiana State University
  • Southern University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Ace W. Mumford Stadium
  • F. G. Clark Center
  • Pete Maravich Assembly Center
  • Tiger Stadium

^ back to top

 

Boston, Massachusetts

A list of college towns, regardless of how you're categorizing them, must include Boston. The metropolitan Boston area contains more than 50 college and universities. Bean Town also supports franchises in all five of North America's major sports leagues.

College football is big in Boston as is college hockey. Every year, Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, and Harvard compete in the Beanpot Tournament. The Boston Marathon is run every third Monday in April.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Boston College
  • Boston University
  • Harvard University
  • Northeastern University
  • Tufts University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Alumni Stadium
  • Fenway Park
  • Gillette Stadium
  • Nickerson Field
  • TD Garden


B.U. vs B.C Men's hockey

 

Champaign, Illinois

Champaign, Illinois is home to the Illinois Fighting Illini. That sports program is nationally renowned. Parkland College has won four championships in the 21st century. Also, the college has several notable sports figures as alumni: Juan Acevedo, Bonnie Blair, Shane Heams, David Patrick, and Spencer Patton. If you're looking for recreation, Champaign has more than 650 acres of parkland.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Parkland College
  • University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Dodds Athletic Center
  • Huff Hall
  • Memorial Stadium
  • State Farm Center

 

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The North Carolina Tar Heels are known for their men's basketball team. The program has won six national championships and is the alma mater of Michael Jordan. The school's soccer team is also pretty good.

Durham, and the Duke Blue Devils, is just a 20-minute drive away. Raleigh is a half hour. There, you can enjoy the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL and the collegiate teams of NC State Wolfpack.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Carmichael Arena
  • Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center
  • Kenan Memorial Stadium

 

Charlotte, North Carolina

If you include Davidson College in nearby Davidson, then Charlotte, North Carolina has more than 70 collegiate sports teams. The Charlotte 49ers and Davidson Wildcats are Division I schools. The JCSU Golden Bulls and Queens Royals are Division II schools. Johnson & Wales Wildcats are members of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

Charlotte sports fans also root for several professional and semi-professional franchises including the Carolina Panthers of the NFL and the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA. What really sets Charlotte apart is its affinity for racing. The city is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Johnson & Wales University
  • Johnson C. Smith University
  • Queens University of Charlotte
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Bank of America Stadium
  • Dale F. Halton Arena
  • Jerry Richardson Stadium
  • Spectrum Center

^ back to top

 

Charleston, South Carolina

It might not be the greatest spectator sport, but it's still very impressive… and rare. The Citadel Bulldogs have their own rifle team. That gives new meaning to the line "he shoots, he scores."  On Daniel Island, you'll find the Family Circle Tennis Center.

The facility seats more than 10,000, boasts 17 courts, and hosts the WTA tour event, the Volvo Car Open. The Citadel's football team is a member of the Southern Conference while the College of Charleston Cougars are members of the Colonial Athletic Association.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
  • College of Charleston

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Family Circle Tennis Center
  • Johnson Hagood Stadium
  • Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
  • McAlister Field House
  • TD Arena

 

Cincinnati, Ohio

The city of Cincinnati has an amazing sports scene. That scene only gets better when you consider Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky. If four college sports programs aren't enough, Cincy has the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds.

The annual contest between the men's basketball teams from the Cincinnati Bearcats and Xavier Musketeers is known as the "Crosstown Shootout."  Don't miss it.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • University of Cincinnati
  • Xavier University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Cintas Center
  • Fifth Third Arena
  • Great American Ball Park
  • Nippert Stadium
  • Paul Brown Stadium
  • U.S. Bank Arena

 

College Station, Texas

If you're a sports fan, you'll love College Station. This is the birthplace of the "12th Man."  In 1922, the Texas A&M Aggies football team experienced so many injuries that the coach asked a former player sitting in the stands to suit up. Although he never got into the game, his willingness to help his school started a fan-friendly tradition. It's since been co-opted by other programs and franchises, but it began in East Central Texas.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Texas A&M Health Science Center
  • Texas A&M University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Kyle Field
  • Reed Arena
  • Texas World Speedway

 

Columbus, Ohio

If aliens landed on Earth and asked to see the epitome of a collegiate athletic department, you'd take them to the campus of The Ohio State University. The school fields 37 men's and women's teams and they're all competitive. The Buckeyes are one of five schools that have won titles in baseball, basketball, and football.

Twice this century, their football, men's basketball, and women's basketball teams have won Big Ten Conference championships in the same year. Columbus State Community College, whose nickname is the Cougars, are a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II school. Recently, they've had success in women's volleyball and men's basketball.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Columbus State Community College
  • Ohio State University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Nationwide Arena
  • Ohio Stadium
  • Value City Arena

 

Dayton, Ohio

The University of Dayton is known as the Flyers and their mascot is named "Rudy."  It's a play on the initials "UD."  Student athletes competing at Wright State University do so under the appellation "Raiders." 

University of Dayton and Wright State field several quality athletic teams, but those schools aren't the only source of competitive entertainment in this Midwestern college sports town. The city of Dayton supports minor league teams in baseball, soccer, and roller derby.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • University of Dayton
  • Wright State University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Nischwitz Stadium
  • Nutter Center
  • UD Arena
  • Welcome Stadium

 

Denver, Colorado

Denver's sports scene is quite cozy. It's the smallest city to have a franchise in all five major North American sports leagues. On the college side, the Denver Pioneers are in Division I school, and the Metro State Roadrunners are a Division II school. Neither school has a football team.

Colorado Buffaloes football, however, is just a 35-minute drive to the northwest. Metro State has produced more than 200 All-Americans and the Pioneers' athletic programs go all the way back to 1867. As you see, a passion for college sports, and sports in general, runs deep in The Mile High City.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • University of Colorado Boulder
  • University of Denver

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Auraria Events Center
  • Coors Field
  • Magness Arena
  • Mile High
  • Pepsi Center

 

Durham, North Carolina

You know you're a great college sports town when your fans are called "crazies."  Fans of Duke University's men's basketball team go by the name "Cameron Crazies."  The team is coached by Mike Krzyzewski.

While the school, and the city, is known for college basketball, Duke Blue Devils football is one of just three programs to go an entire season without surrendering a point (1938). Every year, the city's Triple-A baseball team, the Durham Bulls, attracts more than half a million fans.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Duke University
  • North Carolina Central University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Cameron Indoor Stadium
  • Durham Bulls Athletic Park
  • McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium
  • O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium
  • Wallace Wade Stadium

    ^ back to top


Duke Blue Devils vs. Temple Owls

 

East Lansing, Michigan

Michigan State University has won national championships in football, men's basketball, and men's ice hockey. The Spartans have a rivalry with the other Big 10 school in the state, the Michigan Wolverines.

The fervor for athletic competition that's found on the campus of MSU is also found within the student body of Davenport University and Lansing Community College. The Davenport Panthers are a NAIA school and the LCC Stars are a NJCAA school.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Davenport University
  • Lansing Community College
  • Michigan State University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Breslin Student Events Center
  • Spartan Stadium
  • Student Center

 

El Paso, Texas

El Paso's Sun Bowl Stadium hosts one of college football's oldest bowl games, The Sun Bowl. You'll find the stadium on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso. The city is also in the address of one of the best named minor league baseball teams in the country, the El Paso Chihuahuas.

The El Paso Marathon is held in February. Just outside the city, there's awesome rock climbing opportunities at Hueco Tanks State Historic Site. Make sure you bring your clubs. The El Paso area has 16 golf courses including the Butterfield Trail Golf Club. It's one of the best municipal golf courses in the United States.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso
  • University of Texas at El Paso

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Don Haskins Center
  • Sierra Providence Event Center
  • Sun Bowl Stadium


University of Texas at El Paso's football stadium

 

Fargo, North Dakota

North Dakota State University is the alma mater of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. He attended the school from 2011 to 2015. Incidentally, the Bison won five consecutive FCS National Championships during his tenure.

We can't guarantee that you'll see a future NFL star, or a championship caliber team, when you attend a football game at the Fargodome, but you will have a good time. Fargo is also home to minor league baseball, minor league hockey, and roller derby.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • North Dakota State University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Fargodome
  • Scheels Center

 

Fresno, California

The sports teams of California State University, Fresno call themselves the "Fresno State Bulldogs."  The University sponsors 22 varsity sports teams. Their football team plays at Bulldog Stadium. The Save Mart Center at Fresno State hosts basketball and hockey tilts.

Fresno has three minor league sports franchises. The Fresno Grizzlies are the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. The Fresno Fuego compete in soccer's Premier Developmental League. Both teams play at Chukchansi Park. The Fresno Monsters compete in the Western States Hockey League.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • California State University, Fresno
  • Fresno Pacific University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Bulldog Stadium
  • Chukchansi Park
  • Save Mart Center at Fresno State

 

Gainesville, Florida

There's no better place to be during college football season then at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium watching the Florida Gators. Of course, the excitement and enthusiasm you'll find there, you'll also find at events involving any of the school's other 18 sports programs.

Santa Fe College just introduced their school's fight song. "Saints Forever" debuted before a softball game in 2009. Yes, that was several years ago, but when it comes to college fight songs that's relatively new.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Saint Leo University
  • Santa Fe College
  • University of Florida

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
  • Gainesville Raceway
  • O'Connell Center

 

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis is known as the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World."  The city is home to the headquarters of both the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations. It's also home to the national governing bodies for diving, gymnastics, and track and field.

Both the IUPUI Jaguars and the Butler Bulldogs are Division I schools. Indy also supports the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers. Thanks to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the city is a hotbed for auto racing.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Butler University
  • Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Bankers Life Fieldhouse
  • Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl
  • Hinkle Fieldhouse
  • Indiana Farmers Coliseum
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  • Lucas Oil Stadium

^ back to top

 

La Crosse, Wisconsin

The La Crosse Loggers are members of the Northwoods League. That league allows college baseball players to get a taste of the minor leagues during their summer break. Loggers games are a great opportunity to see tomorrow's baseball stars today. Past Loggers include Max Scherzer, Chris Sale, and Daniel Ray Herrera.

The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Eagles are a Division III school. Their football team plays at Veterans Memorial Field. Both Green Bay and Milwaukee are a three-and-a-half-hour road trip to the east.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  • Western Technical College

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Copeland Park
  • La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway
  • Veterans Memorial Field

 

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky has one of the most diverse range of college athletics in the United States. In the city you have Division I, II, and III schools. The Louisville Cardinals field teams that go back more than a century while the Simmons College of Kentucky sponsored an athletic program for the first time in more than 75 years in 2006.

Louisville is home to Churchill Downs, site of the Kentucky Derby, and the Valhalla Golf Club, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Bellarmine University
  • Boyce College
  • Simmons College of Kentucky
  • Spalding University
  • University of Louisville

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Churchill Downs
  • KFC Yum! Center
  • Papa John's Cardinal Stadium
  • Valhalla Golf Club


The University of Louisville vs. West Virginia University women's basketball

 

Lubbock, Texas

Texas Tech Red Raiders are members of the Big 12 Conference and field 17 athletic teams. Both their football team and their men's basketball team started in 1925. The school's greatest success came in 1993 when Sheryl Swoopes led the Lady Raiders to a national crown in women's basketball. In 2016, the Lubbock Christian Lady Chaps won the NCAA Division II women's title in basketball.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Lubbock Christian University
  • South Plains College
  • Texas Tech University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Jones AT&T Stadium
  • Rip Griffin Center
  • United Supermarkets Arena

 

Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville Jaguars home turf is EverBank Field. The Jags, who entered the NFL in 1995 as an expansion team, are the city's only major sports franchise. J-ville does have several minor league clubs—baseball, basketball, hockey, indoor football, rugby, and soccer.

The Players Championship is hosted in the Jacksonville suburb of Ponte Vedra Beach. That's also where the PGA Tour has its headquarters. The Jacksonville Dolphins and North Florida Ospreys are Division I schools. Edward Waters College is a NAIA school. They play under the epithet "Tigers" and "Lady Tigers."  Every year, EverBank Field hosts college football's TaxSlayer Bowl.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Edward Waters College
  • Jacksonville University
  • University of North Florida

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • EverBank Field
  • Hodges Stadium
  • Veterans Memorial Arena

 

Kansas City, Missouri

The collegiate athletic programs based in Kansas City have great nicknames. The teams of University of Missouri-Kansas City are called the "Kangaroos."  How awesome is that?   Rockhurst University are the "Hawks."  The "Rockhurst Hawks" might be the best sobriquet in college sports.

Finally, the "Avila Eagles" just rolls off the tongue. The three colleges mentioned in this entry combine to field 46 sports teams. If you add the city's professional franchises that number swells to more than 50.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Avila University
  • Rockhurst University
  • University of Missouri–Kansas City

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Arrowhead Stadium
  • Kauffman Stadium
  • Municipal Auditorium
  • Swinney Recreation Center

^ back to top


Rockhurst University fans celebrating

 

Kent, Ohio

Kent, Ohio is a great college sport town. The Kent State Golden Flashes field a Division I football team. Their men's and women's athletic programs are consistently one of the best in the nation. For pro sports, Cleveland, Ohio is 80 minutes to the north and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is 105 minutes to the south. For recreation, Kent has nearly 20 parks and preserves. That's impressive for a town of 30,000.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Kent State University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Dix Stadium
  • Kent State University Ice Arena s
  • Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MAC Center)

 

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison has been heralded by publications and commentators as the best college sports town in America. Attending any sporting event in this city, whether it's the Wisconsin Badgers, Edgewood Eagles, or Madison College Wolfpack, you'll experience unbridled passion for competition.

The city supports several minor and semi-professional franchises. While those are a lot of fun, college sports will probably consume the bulk of your time and energy.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Edgewood College
  • Madison Area Technical College
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Camp Randall Stadium
  • Kohl Center
  • LaBahn Arena
  • Todd Wehr Edgedome


University of Wisconsin-Madison vs. Northwestern University at Camp Randall Stadium

 

Miami, Florida

Miami and the surrounding area sustain franchises in all five of North America's major sports leagues. One of the city's residents is so prominent in the realm of college athletics that it's goes by one letter. That letter is "U" and the program is the Miami Hurricanes. The Canes compete in 17 sports.

Meanwhile, Florida International University goes by three letters, "F-I-U."  The FIU Panthers field 18 varsity teams.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Florida International University
  • University of Miami

Notable Sports Arenas:      

  • American Airlines Arena
  • FIU Arena
  • Hard Rock Stadium
  • Watsco Center

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Living in Minneapolis, you'll be exposed to the Minnesota Golden Gophers (Division I), Augsburg Auggies (Division III), and North Central Rams (Division III and National Christian College Athletic Association Division II). You'll also be exposed to professional franchises in football, baseball, and basketball.

The Minnesota Wild of the NHL, and the 11 sports teams of St. Catherine University, are based in neighboring St. Paul. The Minnesota Golden Gophers women's ice hockey team has claimed seven national titles.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Augsburg University
  • North Central University
  • University of Minnesota

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Ridder Arena
  • Target Center
  • Target Field
  • U.S. Bank Stadium
  • Williams Arena

^ back to top

 

Nashville, Tennessee

For a few years, Vanderbilt University operated without an athletic department. Instead, varsity sports were operated under the university's Division of Student Life. Critics thought the school was crazy, but the experiment worked. Vanderbilt's athletic teams thrived.

The university reverted to the traditional model after the departure of Chancellor Gordon Gee. The fact that the experiment worked highlights Nashville's affinity for collegiate athletics.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Belmont University
  • Lipscomb University
  • Vanderbilt University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Allen Arena
  • Bridgestone Arena
  • Curb Event Center
  • Memorial Gymnasium
  • Nissan Stadium
  • Vanderbilt Stadium

 

New Haven, Connecticut

Yale may not be synonymous with college athletics, but they've fielded a football team since 1876. One of college football's greatest rivalries is Yale versus Harvard. Their annual contest is known as "The Game."  Quinnipiac University is located 20 minutes to the north in Hamden, Connecticut.

The Bobcats are a Division I school and members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The university fields 19 varsity teams.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Quinnipiac University
  • Yale University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Payne Whitney Gym
  • TD Bank Sports Center
  • Yale Bowl

 

Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha hosts the College World Series. Since 1950, collegiate baseball teams have vied for the chance to make it to Omaha and compete for national supremacy. The event used to be held at Rosenblatt Stadium but is now played at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha.

The tournament will remain in The Big O through 2035. Omaha Mavericks and Creighton University are both Division I schools. Together, they support 30 teams and a cadre of ravenous fans.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Creighton University
  • University of Nebraska Omaha

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Baxter Arena
  • CenturyLink Center Omaha
  • D. J. Sokol Arena
  • Ralston Arena
  • TD Ameritrade Park Omaha

^ back to top

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The city of Brotherly Love is a mecca for college basketball. The five schools listed above all field college basketball teams. All but St. Joseph's and Drexel field college football teams.

Philadelphia is one of the few cities in North America that has its professional baseball, basketball, football, and hockey franchises compete within city limits.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Drexel University
  • La Salle University
  • Saint Joseph's Hawks
  • Temple University
  • University of Pennsylvania

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Citizens Bank Park
  • Daskalakis Athletic Center
  • Liacouras Center
  • Lincoln Financial Field
  • Wells Fargo Center

 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Panthers, commonly known as the Pitt Panthers, are one of five Division I schools that has won more than one championships in both football and basketball. The Steel City loves their sports team, both college and pros. That fact is evident every time you watch a Pittsburgh-based team on television or at the venue.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Duquesne University
  • University of Pittsburgh

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Arthur J. Rooney Athletic Field
  • Heinz Field
  • PNC Park
  • PPG Paints Arena

 

Portland, Oregon

The Portland State Vikings and Portland Pilots are well supported. The Oregon State Beavers and Oregon Ducks are a 90-minute and 2-hour drive, respectively, to the south. The best thing, however, about going to college in Portland is the sports you can play.

You're about two hours from the Oregon coast and ninety minutes from Mt. Hood. An hour up the Columbia River Gorge you'll find ideal conditions for windsurfing.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Linfield College
  • Oregon Health & Science University
  • Portland State University
  • University of Portland
  • Warner Pacific College

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Dix Stadium
  • Kent State University Ice Arena
  • Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MAC Center)
  • Moda Center

 

Providence, Rhode Island

Brown University and Providence College are heated rivals. The former is a member of the Ivy League and the latter is a member of the Big East (except for their hockey team). Providence calls their sports teams the "Friars" and they have 19 of them. The Brown Bears have 38.

The Rhode Island Anchormen are a Division III school. While these institutions are known for their academics, and/or faith, their passion for sports can't be overlooked.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Brown University
  • Providence College
  • Rhode Island College

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Brown Stadium
  • Dunkin' Donuts Center
  • Pizzitola Sports Center

 

Richmond, Virginia

The VCU Rams and Richmond Spiders are Division I schools. The Virginia Union Panthers are a Division II school. Both the Spiders and Panthers have football teams while VCU is known for men's basketball. In 2011, the Rams reached the Final Four. Their epic run was one of the greatest Cinderella stories in the annuals of college basketball.

Fun fact: Richmond is the only university in the nation with a spider for a mascot. Like auto racing? Richmond Raceway hosts two major NASCAR events a year.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • University of Richmond
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Virginia Union University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Arthur Ashe Athletic Center
  • E. Claiborne Robins Stadium
  • Hovey Field
  • Robins Center
  • Stuart C. Siegel Center

^ back to top

 

Sacramento, California

Both the Sacramento State Hornets and UC Davis Aggies are Division I schools and members of the Big Sky Conference. The Hornets have more than 50 conference titles on their proverbial mantle; the Aggies have five national crowns from when they were a Division II school.

Sac State is in Sacramento proper while UC Davis is situated 15 minutes to the west in Davis, California. Sacramento is also home to the Sacramento Kings of the NBA.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • California State University, Sacramento
  • University of California, Davis

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Aggie Stadium
  • Golden 1 Center
  • Hornet Stadium
  • Hornets Nest
  • The Pavilion

 

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri is widely regarded as the best sports town in America. The city is home to the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball and the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League. Many sports fans forget that the Gateway City vociferously cheers for the Division I Saint Louis Billikens and the Division III Washington University Bears. The Bears have won 22 national championships.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Saint Louis University
  • Washington University in St. Louis

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Busch Stadium
  • Chaifetz Arena
  • Francis Field
  • Scottrade Center

 

Salt Lake City

In 2008, the Westminster Griffins won a national championship in men's lacrosse. They defeated Grand Valley State, 17-10. What makes that victory so impressive is Westminster College's lacrosse program was in its second year.

The NBA's Utah Jazz play their home games at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. If you like to ski, SLC is the place. Within 50 miles of the city there are eight ski resorts.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • University of Utah
  • Westminster College

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Jon M. Huntsman Center
  • Rice-Eccles Stadium
  • Vivint Smart Home Arena

 

San Diego, California

The athletic programs of San Diego State University have one of the coolest nicknames in all of college sports: San Diego State Aztecs. The Aztecs are a Division I school. Both the UC San Diego Tritons and Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions compete in Division II.

On the professional side, there's the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. You can surf, and/or work on your tan, while going to school in San Diego. The city has great weather and plenty of beaches.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Point Loma Nazarene University
  • San Diego State University
  • University of California San Diego

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Golden Gymnasium
  • Petco Park
  • RIMAC
  • SDCCU Stadium
  • Valley View Casino Center
  • Viejas Arena

^ back to top

 

Seattle, Washington

If you're a sports team in Seattle, and you win, you'll be supported. If you're a sports team in Seattle and you struggle, guess what?  You'll still be supported. The Emerald City loves sports, both pro and college. Seattleites root for the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, and Seattle Sounders.

Collegiately, they root for the Washington Huskies, Seattle Redhawks, and Seattle Pacific Falcons. Located on the Puget Sound, Seattle has a bunch of options for recreating including hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and motor boating.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Seattle Pacific University
  • Seattle University
  • University of Washington

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • CenturyLink Field
  • Hec Edmundson Pavilion
  • Husky Stadium
  • Key Arena
  • Safeco Field

 

Spokane, Washington

During the winter, you can watch Gonzaga Bulldog men's basketball at the McCarthey Athletic Center. During the fall, you can watch the Eastern Washington Eagles play football on its red field (the school is in nearby Cheney, Washington).

If you and your buddies are up for a road trip, you can enjoy the Washington State Cougars in Pullman, Washington or the Idaho Vandals in Moscow, Idaho. Both destinations are about ninety minutes to the south. Spokane itself is home to minor league baseball and hockey—Spokane Indians and Spokane Chiefs, respectively.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Eastern Washington University
  • Gonzaga
  • Whitworth

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Jim Thorpe Fieldhouse
  • McCarthey Athletic Center
  • Reese Court
  • Roos Field
  • Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena

 

Springfield, Missouri

Missouri State Bears play football at the Plaster Sports Complex. Both of their hoops team play at the JQH Arena. The Bears compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. Meanwhile, Southwest Baptist University supports 16 sports teams.

The Southwest Baptist Bearcats are a Division II school and members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Kansas City, and all its sports teams, is two and a half hours away. St. Louis, and all its sports teams, is three hours away.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Drury University
  • Missouri State University
  • Southwest Baptist University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Hammons Field
  • JQH Arena
  • Plaster Sports Complex

 

South Bend, Indiana

South Bend, Indiana is where you'll find college football's most celebrated program, Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In total, Notre Dame competes in 23 sports. They are one of the few schools that has a Division I football team and Division I men's hockey team.

While they don't compete at the level Notre Dame does, Saint Mary's College, Holy Cross College, and Indiana University South Bend all have respected and competitive athletic programs.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Holy Cross College
  • Indiana University South Bend
  • Saint Mary's College
  • University of Notre Dame

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium
  • Notre Dame Stadium
  • Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center

^ back to top

 

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Oklahoma State Cowboys and Cowgirls have won more than 50 national championships. No wonder the town loves sports so much. The OSU Cowboys football team plays at Boone Pickens Stadium.

The school's wrestling program is legendary, having amassed more than 30 team titles. Northern Oklahoma College has a campus in Stillwater. The college's other two campuses, in Tonkawa and Enid, both have athletic departments. The Tonkawa Mavericks and Enid Jets are NJCAA schools.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Northern Oklahoma College
  • Oklahoma State University–Stillwater

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Boone Pickens Stadium
  • Gallagher-Iba Arena

 

Syracuse, New York

Syracuse Orange men's basketball team went all the way in 2003 and are one of the most prominent programs in the nation. The university is also the alma mater of NFL legend Jim Brown. Syracuse, however, isn't all the city has to offer when it comes to collegiate athletics. Le Moyne College fields 19 sports teams.

Furthermore, seventy-five percent of Le Moyne's student body participates in some type of athletic endeavor. If you're a sports fan, or an athlete, this town in central New York is for you.

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Le Moyne College
  • Syracuse University

Notable Sports Stadiums/Arenas:

  • Carrier Dome
  • Ted Grant Court
  • War Memorial at Oncenter

^ back to top


Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama is home to college football's top program, the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide, currently coached by Nick Saban, has won 16 national championships. The Crimson Tide competes in 20 more sports including basketball, baseball, golf, and gymnastics.

Stillman College is a NAIA school. Their athletes compete as the Tigers and Lady Tigers. The school no longer has a football program, but their men's basketball team is very competitive

Notable Colleges/Universities:

  • Stillman College
  • University of Alabama

Notable Sports Arenas:

  • Birthright Alumni Hall
  • Bryant–Denny Stadium
  • Coleman Coliseum
  • Foster Auditorium
  • Sewell–Thomas Stadium

 

 

^ back to top