Just about every American cheers for one NFL team or another. But a recent study looks at a bunch of different factors to determine the best NFL cities in which to watch a pro football game.
Here’s How They Determine The Best NFL Cities
Overall, you may think that this study would factor in the average price of a ticket. Or maybe the number of seats with great views of the action. Although these may be important factors for you, the folks at BonusFinder.com feel there are other more important factors.
Obviously, since BonusFinder.com is a website based on gambling opportunities, that must be part of their focus in this study. But rest assured they also included some other important reasons to determine whether you want to see your favorite NFL franchise play as the visiting team.
Specifically, this study focuses on nine factors. They assign a point structure to each factor to come up with a best out of 100 score for each team’s stadium. They are ranked on overall scores to determine the best NFL cities in which to attend a game.
20 points go to the most iconic stadiums and the most prestigious franchises. Moreover, each team’s home city can win 10 points for the number of sports bars within a five-mile radius. Or the most bars within walking distance from the stadium. Additionally, each city can earn another 10 points for nearby gambling opportunities. Furthermore, the number of nearby sports-related activities, and the proximity to the center of the city, can earn 10 points . Finally, five points are awarded for the cost of a hot dog as well as the cost of a beer at each stadium.
Interesting Notes About This Study
After gathering all this information, the average overall score was approximately 70 out of 100. The highest overall score in this study is 81.7, and the lowest is 53.7.
In addition, it is interesting to note that the two NFL teams in Los Angeles play in the lowest scoring stadium in this article by Fintan Costello on BonusFinder.com. The Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams share SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Chargers take last place and the Rams take 30th place. That’s only because the Rams garner more prestige than the Chargers based on their longer history in the league.
So, let’s see which six are the best NFL cities in which to attend a game. I’m going to go get a hot dog and a beer while you scroll down.
6) Las Vegas - Allegiant Stadium
Our home city of Las Vegas takes sixth place in this study of best NFL cities in which to attend a game. We got high scores for the most sports bars within a five mile radius of Allegiant Stadium, and most bars within walking distance, most casinos nearby (of course), and the prestige of the football franchise.
A general view shows the Las Vegas Strip outside the lanai doors at Allegiant Stadium behind the Al Davis Memorial Torch during the first quarter of a game between the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders on October 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 21-17.
5) Pittsburgh - Acrisure Stadium
Acrisure Stadium, sometimes better known as Heinz Field, took the fifth spot in this study. The city of Pittsburgh’s stadium ranked high for the prestige of the franchise, the number of sports related activities near the stadium, and the number of gambling opportunities nearby.
A general view of the field in the second quarter during the game between the Pittsburgh Panthers and the West Virginia Mountaineers at Acrisure Stadium on September 1, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
4) Charlotte - Bank of America Stadium
The city of Charlotte, home to the NFL’s Panthers, ranks fourth in this study. Bank of America Stadium ranks very high for being close to the center of the city, having a lot of sports bars within five miles of the stadium, and lots of sports related attractions nearby. This stadium also ranks second for the most bars within walking distance of the football field.
A general view of the stadium is seen with a giant American flag on the field prior to the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
3) New Orleans - Caesars Superdome
“The Big Easy,” New Orleans, Louisiana. You just say that phrase and you’re ready to party on the mighty Mississippi River in the city’s French Quarter. The Saints’ home stadium ranks third in this study. Believe it or not, the city’s 18 casinos are so close to the stadium that they rank first for the most gambling opportunities nearby! I guess Las Vegas’s casinos are too spread out. Who knew? As you might expect, New Orleans ranks third in this study for most number of bars within walking distance of the stadium. Plus, Caesars Superdome is not only located close to the French Quarter, it’s also close to the city center.
The repaired Louisiana Superdome and city skyline are seen August 25, 2006 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is August 29.
2) Chicago - Soldier Field
Chicago’s Soldier Field is steeped in history and tradition as the NFL’s oldest active stadium. It opened in 1924, and the Bears’ home field ranks second in this study. Chicago ranks high in this study based mostly on the prestige of the franchise. They also have the second most sports bars within a five mile radius. Plus, there are eight casinos within driving distance of Soldier Field.
A general view of Soldier Field during the fourth quarter between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers on September 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. A Bears supporter stands in the end zone on Soldier Field waving a huge flag with the team’s “C” logo on it.
1) Detroit - Ford Field
Drumroll please! And the NFL’s best city to attend a football game is…Detroit! Home to Carla Rea’s favorite team, the Detroit Lions, Ford Field ranks first on the number of bars within walking distance. That’s right, you’re just steps away from 129 different watering holes when you go to a Lions game. Incredible!
General view of outside the stadium before the game against the Seattle Seahawks and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 17, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. There are lots of fans walking past the camera getting ready to be admitted into the stadium. The facade of Ford Field is coverd by a huge banner featuring many Lions players and the moniker, “All Grit.”
