With Super Bowl LIX set for Feb. 9, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its Super Bowl Fun Facts together with its report on 2025’s Best and Worst Cities for Football Fans, which includes such facts as NFL franchises’ estimated value and the average ticket price for an NFL game, as well as expert commentary.
To determine the best places for enjoying America’s favorite sport, WalletHub compared 250 U.S. cities with at least one college or professional football team based on 21 key metrics. The data set ranges from the number of NFL and college football teams to stadium capacity to fan engagement.
Best Cities for Football Fans
Rated number one for football was Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, followed by Dallas, TX at number two. The rest of the top 10 were Green Bay, WI; Boston, MA; Kansas City, MO; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; New Orleans, LA; and, at number 10, Miami, FL.
Worst Cities for Football Fans
Bottom list cities in the study were Louisville, Kentucky and Charleston, South Carolina tied at 240. They were followed by Fort Collins, CO; Pine Bluff, AR; Waco, TX; Bloomington, IN; College Station, TX; Evanston, IL; Dover, DE; Easton, MA; and, last, at number 250, Lincoln, NE.
Best vs. Worst
The Kansas City Chiefs’ performance level is 2.6 times better than the performance level of the Carolina Panthers.
New Orleans, Louisiana, has the lowest average ticket price for an NFL game, which is 5.9 times less expensive than in Detroit, Michigan, the city with the highest.
Green Bay, Wisconsin, has the highest engagement of fans for an NFL team, which is 70.8 times higher than in New York, the city with the lowest.
“Living in one of the best football cities means much more than attending games and watching your hometown team on TV every weekend in the fall. Faithfully following your team on social media, spending big on tickets and merchandise, and taking part in local traditions are just some of the factors that make the best football cities stand out. Having a football team with a winning culture and multiple championships doesn’t hurt, either,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst. “The best city for football fans is Pittsburgh, thanks to the larger-than-life presence of its NFL franchise, the Steelers. The Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl victories with six, including its most recent triumph in the 2008-2009 season. Pittsburgh has some of the most loyal and most engaged football fans in the country, too. The city’s football fans can watch games at the 68,400-seat Acrisure Stadium, which is also home to its hometown NCAA football team, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers.”
To view the full report, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-for-football-fans/9691
Expert Commentary
How can the game be adapted to better ensure the long-term health and safety of players?
“One of the primary challenges in professional football is balancing the sport’s inherent physicality with player safety. The physicality that drives fan interest and participation also increases the risk of serious injuries. Issues like concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) have drawn significant scrutiny, leading leagues like the NFL to invest heavily in safety measures such as advanced equipment, medical research, and recovery technologies. For example, the NFL mandates Guardian Caps – a soft, padded shell that reduces head impact – during training camp, though their use is optional during games. In addition to equipment innovations, rule changes like stricter penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits and improved post-retirement healthcare aim to protect players. These efforts not only enhance player welfare but also mitigate potential legal liabilities. However, the costs associated with these initiatives significantly increase operational expenses for teams and leagues.”
Maddie Herman, Ed.D. – Assistant Professor; Program Coordinator, Sport Management, Gwynedd Mercy University
What are some strategies for fans to enjoy watching football (at home, in a bar, at the stadium) without breaking the bank?
“Watching from home with friends is probably the most affordable way to watch games but with all the streaming services (and their rising costs), a strategy could be having different homes have different subscriptions to host watching the game that day.”
Eric Stoller – Assistant Professor; Business Solutions Center Coordinator, The University of Findlay
“Streaming Services: Evaluate your viewing preferences and choose services accordingly. Premium options like NFL Network or NFL Sunday Ticket offer comprehensive coverage but come at a higher cost. Alternatively, services like Peacock (Sunday Night Football) and Amazon Prime (Thursday Night Football) are cheaper but more limited. Some credit cards even provide cashback rewards on streaming subscriptions, adding a layer of affordability. Stadium Tips: Attending a live game doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for last-minute ticket deals closer to game day, as teams often aim to fill seats. Review stadium food policies; some allow sealed water bottles and wrapped snacks, which can save on concessions. Alternatively, eat before heading to the game. For transportation, pre-purchase parking passes or consider public transit, which can save money and simplify post-game travel.”
Maddie Herman, Ed.D. – Assistant Professor; Program Coordinator, Sport Management, Gwynedd Mercy University
Is having a professional football team an economic drain or benefit for cities?
“Benefit with the amount of money and jobs a gameday brings into the facility, and surrounding area as well as the newer domes are hosting all different events (basketball, hockey, soccer, concerts, swimming, etc.)”
Eric Stoller – Assistant Professor; Business Solutions Center Coordinator, The University of Findlay
“The economic benefits of hosting a professional football team depend on various factors and stakeholders. Stadiums are often significant economic drivers, hosting large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup or College Football Playoffs that boost tourism and revenue. A compelling example is Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Falcons. Known for its low concession prices ($2 hot dogs, $5 beers), it has attracted families and significant events alike. Partially funded by a hotel tax, the stadium has created thousands of jobs and hosted high-profile events such as the Super Bowl and major concerts. These events bring economic gains through tourism, increased local spending, and international visibility. However, some argue that public funding for stadiums can burden taxpayers financially, sparking debate over their long-term value.”
Maddie Herman, Ed.D. – Assistant Professor; Program Coordinator, Sport Management, Gwynedd Mercy University
