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Posted by: Carl Danbury 8/15/2008 10:44 AM

We want to know what your favorite sporting cities are to attend events. And, we'd love to know what events you enjoy attending or those that you have always wanted to attend but never had the opportunity. I've provided you a little assistance, but please share your opinions with us and your fellow SportsUnlimited readers.

I just returned from Chicago, and edited my list placing the Windy City second. US Cellular has improved even without the nightlife aspect outside the ballpark, and Wrigley is simply an incredible experience. Every one of you should try a Weekend at Bernies, on the corner of Clark and Waveland, before heading to the games. Just outside the bar, pick up a big bag of pistachio nuts for $8.

My Favorite Professional Sports Cities

1)   New York   Particularly those events held in Madison Square Garden.
2)   Chicago    Midwestern hospitaility and raucous fans. If it weren't for the horribly-conceived United Center and U.S. Cellular Field, the Windy City would be No. 1 hands-down, no question about it.
3)   San Diego   A new favorite after a recent trip. Can't beat the weather or the scenery!!!

4)   Denver    Underrated in terms of passionate fans and venues.
5)   Washington, D.C.    Now that the new ballpark is open, it's tough to beat the combination of FedEx Field, Nationals Park and the Verizon Center (and you can toss in Alexandria and Georgetown for post-game fun too)

My Favorite College Football Towns

1)  Knoxville    High praise from a 'Bama alum, but there is something special about Neyland Stadium.
2)  Oxford    The Grove, spectacular scenery and the best chance for a road victory.
3)  Athens    The tailgate tradition is still one of the best and there is a certain vibe on gameday you rarely get elsewhere.
4)  Charlottesville    Virginia is one of my favorite states, and I love the quaintness of the town and Scott Stadium.
5)  Lexington    The combination of horse racing, college football, fine restaurants and competively-priced hotel rooms moved this town way up the list. October games fit the bill for everything on my list.

My Favorite NHL Arenas

1)    Madison Square Garden    Outdated building? Sure. Outlandish fans? Absolutely. Outstanding experience? The best!
2)    Sommet Center    Underrated facility with a fabulous view of the ice from nearly every seat. Nashville isn't bad either.
3)    Rexall Place    It ain't easy getting to Edmonton, but once you're there this is an unbelievable venue for hockey. Go to Kevin Lowe's after the game. Do a double dip and take in a game at Calgary, too.
4)    The Bell Centre    Surely, this isn't the same as the old Forum in Montreal, but watching a game here is similar to going to the Vatican if you're Catholic — a religious experience. Of course, after the game is when the action really heats up.
5)    Xcel Energy Center    The Minnesota Wild has the best building in the league, but it is in St. Paul. I prefer Minneapolis.   

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Comments (4)   Add Comment
Re: Your Sports Travel Blog!    By Jamie on 7/30/2008 4:21 PM
1) Boston - Red Sox Nation can be annoying, but Beantown is the best pro sports city in America, by far. ---- 2) Athens - I just love the whole scene. That's my No. 1. But I will see Knoxville for the first time this fall. --- 3) What a Rangers fan you are Mr. Danbury! If the original Boston Garden still existed, I would say that's my No. 1. But I'll throw you a curve and say the St. Pete Times forum. One of the best consistently attended arenas in the country and the new roster and coach will be a huge draw in the fall.

Re: Your Sports Travel Blog!    By Carl Danbury on 7/30/2008 7:50 PM
The BankNorth Garden is a shadow of its predecessor. It's still tough to get Bruins' fans to go to that building. The Pats play in Foxboro, which is closer to Providence. Otherwise, it would be right up there with the others. The St. Pete Times Forum is a good building, but not on par with the others listed. The Garden, when the Knicks are decent, is still the best for basketball - although it's much better for Rangers' games.

Re: Your Sports Travel Blog!    By jjz on 8/28/2008 1:44 PM
Could you reallly ask for a better upcoming road trip than to be in Baton Rouge this fall when Nick Saban has to walk out that tunnel for the first time since leaving...

Re: Your Sports Travel Blog!    By Carl Danbury on 9/2/2008 7:47 AM
jjz: That's an excellent game on paper right now, and BR offers one of the best atmospheres anywhere in college football. We made hotel reservations there a long time ago in anticipation of this match-up. But, you have to admit, it will be a bit more hostile than usual inside and outside of Tiger Stadium, and I wouldn't want to be driving to and from that game because of the number of people who will just want to be there even without game tickets (just like the Florida game last season).


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