Interviews & Editorials
The UK and US Sports Fan Report
The UK and US Sports Fan Report #
Sports are the heart of many cultures, especially in the UK and US, where sports like football, rugby and basketball are more than just games. For many fans, the true magic extends beyond the match itself; it's in the shared experience, whether that's cheering from a packed stadium, placing a bet for your favorite team or soaking in the energy of a buzzing sports bar. But, where are the best places for sports fans to truly thrive?
To find out, we analysed various locations across the UK and the US, ranking them based on key factors such as the number of sports stadiums, professional teams, sports bars, and the average price of a pint. We have also identified the top sports bars using TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram hashtag posts and search volume, uncovering the ultimate destinations for an unforgettable game-day experience.
The best cities in the UK for sports fans #
With total attendances at professional sports events reaching 77.7 million in 2024, it’s clear that sports are a major part of British culture. But which cities truly stand out as the ultimate destinations for sports fans?
Home to iconic sports stadiums, Wembley and Twickenham, London takes the top spot as the UK’s best city for sport lovers. As the UK's most populated city, it has hosted major events like the 1966 World Cup final, 2012 Olympics, and 2015 Rugby World Cup. In total, 26 stadiums and 25 professional teams call this city home. For those who prefer to watch sports for the comfort of a bar, there is a wide array of choices, with 219 sports bars in this city. However, this comes at a premium of £6 for a pint of beer - a pound higher than the national average.
Northampton follows in second place, home to just three stadiums and five professional sports teams, such as Northampton Town Football Club, Northampton Saints, and Northamptonshire Cricket. However, its £3.50 pints are what makes the city stand out, making it the ideal spot for budget-conscious fans.
Leicester takes third place, home to seven teams including Premier League team Leicester City F.C. and Premiership Rugby team Leicester Tigers. Outside of the stadiums, there is a modest selection of 17 bars to watch the game, and at just £4 a pint, fans are able to enjoy matches without breaking the bank.
The best pubs and sports bars in the UK #
While nothing beats the thrill of a live stadium experience, many fans opt for a sports bar to soak in the same electric atmosphere (without the hefty ticket prices, long queues, or unpredictable weather).
The Hideout in Derby takes the crown as the best sports bar in the UK, with an impressive 89.1% of its TripAdvisor reviews claiming 5 stars. Coupled with 2,400 monthly Google searches, it’s a standout destination for sports fans seeking a reliable atmosphere to watch the big game.
Not far behind in second place is HUDDL in Nottingham, who has a strong 83.9% positive review rate and also attracts 2,400 searches each month.
In London’s Stratford area, Bat & Ball makes its mark in third place with 51.8% of reviews hitting 5 stars, and with 4,400 Google searches each month, it’s one of the most sought-after sports spots in our list.
Felson’s in Bristol secures fourth place with an outstanding 92% of 5-star reviews. Despite its top-tier ratings, it flies somewhat under the radar, drawing just 1,300 monthly Google searches, making it a true hidden gem for those in the know.
Finally, Exeter’s Ludo rounds out the top five with a perfect 100% of its reviews being 5-star, though its Google search volume is the lowest in the top five at just 390 per month, making it another hidden gem worth discovering.
The best US states for sports fans #
The US is home to some of the biggest sporting events in the world, from the Super Bowl to the NBA Finals, where the energy and passion are unmatched. With around 126 million Americans closely following a sport, which cities offer the best sporting experiences?
Texas takes the crown as the best state for sports fans, boasting the highest number of sports stadiums in the US, with a staggering 46 stadiums and 32 professional teams. NFL fans can’t miss the iconic Dallas Cowboys, one of the most popular teams in the country, playing at the world-renowned AT&T Stadium. Sports bars are plentiful, with 1,793 options to catch a game and the average price of a pint costing around $21.72.
California comes in second, offering a rich sporting culture with 32 stadiums and 43 professional teams. Basketball reigns supreme here, being home to two of the most followed NBA teams in the country: the Golden State Warriors (32.4M fans) and the Los Angeles Lakers (25.1M fans). With 1,591 sports bars scattered across the state, fans are spoiled for choice when it comes to catching a game.
In third place, Florida is home to its 19 stadiums and 24 professional teams, including the Miami Dolphins, one of the most popular NFL teams in the US. For those who prefer to enjoy the action from a sports bar, Florida offers 1,409 options. While the cost of a pint averages $18.59, fans can still enjoy the vibrant sports scene without breaking the bank.
The best pubs and sports bars in the US #
For die-hard fans, the excitement doesn’t stop at the stadium. Sports bars and pubs are a cornerstone of American football culture, where fans gather to watch the game, check their bets, and celebrate those thrilling victories together. But which sports bars stand out as the ultimate spots for game-day experiences and post-win celebrations?
Nellie's Sports Bar takes the top spot for sports enthusiasts, with 44.44% of its TripAdvisor reviews being 5-star. This lively Washington, DC bar boasts an impressive 1,925 Instagram posts and garners 6,600 monthly Google searches, cementing its reputation as a fan favourite.
Second place goes to Nick's English Hut in Bloomington, Indiana, with 39.13% of its reviews scoring 5 stars. While it attracts fewer monthly searches at 3,600, it remains a popular social destination, with 1,749 Instagram posts showcasing its popularity.
Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar in Baton Rouge lands third with 36.22% of reviews being 5-star. Despite a smaller social media presence with 60 monthly searches, its 1,840 Instagram posts show that the bar is a go-to spot for local fans.
Black Bear Bar and Grill ranks fourth, with 37.21% of its reviews being 5-star. Located in Hoboken, this bar has a solid 577 Instagram posts and attracts 3,600 Google searches each month, making it a hot spot for sports fans in the area.
Rounding out the top five is Billy's Sports Bar in the Bronx, NY, with 25% of its reviews achieving 5 stars. While it pulls in 1,900 searches monthly, it stands out for its high Instagram engagement, with 1,683 posts highlighting the fan experience.
Sources and Methodology #
To find the best cities in the UK and the US for sports fans, we analysed 30 UK cities and 50 US states based on the following criteria:
Sports stadiums
No. of professional sports teams
Number of pubs/sports bars
Average cost of a pint
These metrics were then indexed to create an average overall score.
To find which sports bars were the best across the UK and US, the following factors were examined:
% of TripAdvisor reviews that are 5*
No. of Instagram posts
Average Monthly Google Searches - Google Keywords Planner
These metrics were then indexed to create an average overall score.
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