Detroit — With three of its four major franchises advancing deep into the playoffs, Detroit has been named North America’s top sports city by the Sporting News.
Denver was ranked No. 7, behind Detroit, New York, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Los Angeles and Boston, in order.
Phoenix, Philadelphia and Minneapolis-St. Paul round out the top 10.
The magazine named the Motor City No. 1 in its 2007 annual ranking, which was published in editions that hit newsstands Wednesday.
“Although it didn’t bring home a title like some cities, Detroit benefits from having a full complement of very good teams and terrific fans to cheer them on,” executive editor Bob Hille said in a written statement.
A winning season is the most important criterion in creating the ranking, according to the magazine.
Other criteria include sports atmosphere, playoff berths, bowl appearances, tournament bids, championships, quality of competition and overall fan fervor.
Chicago received the designation in 2006.
The top 10 sports cities in North America
As determined by the Sporting News
1. Detroit
2. New York
3. Dallas-Fort Worth
4. Chicago
5. Los Angeles
6. Boston
7. Denver
8. Phoenix
9. Philadelphia
10. Minneapolis-St. Paul
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