Peterson Sorenson
The NFL is the king of American sports, but could there be room for more teams? Across the US, certain cities are itching for a shot at the big leagues. Passionate fans, growing populations, and untapped markets of these towns are ready to make their case for NFL greatness. Let’s huddle up and break down the top contenders!
San Antonio, Texas
Here’s a city that already lives and breathes football. San Antonio has hosted the Dallas Cowboys for training camp and the New Orleans Saints for temporary home games. Its Alamodome can seat over 65,000 fans, and locals are football-crazy year-round. Isn’t it about time San Antonio joined the NFL party?
San Diego, California
While San Diego didn’t host the very first Super Bowl, it has a storied football history. The Chargers’ departure for Los Angeles in 2017 hasn’t diminished the city’s reputation as a sports hub. Snapdragon Stadium, its latest venue, is a modern marvel, that continues to fuel excitement. Fans are still holding on to the dream of tailgate Sundays and unforgettable game day moments.
St. Louis, Missouri
The Rams left in 2016, but St. Louis didn’t lose its football soul. This city’s Edward Jones Dome (now The Dome at America’s Center) has hosted football events since the Rams left, proving there’s still fire in the fan base. St. Louis recently scored a legal touchdown with a $790 million settlement against the NFL for the Rams’ relocation.
Birmingham, Alabama
Football is like a religion in this Southern hotspot due to its devotion to college teams like Alabama and Auburn. Birmingham’s love for the game dates back decades, to when it hosted the Birmingham Americans of the World Football League in the 1970s. Legion Field, known as the “Football Capital of the South,” has hosted bowl games and NFL preseason action.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sports fever runs deep in Oklahoma City, a city with a rich history in the big leagues. Thanks to the Thunder, this city has shown it can handle professional sports with style and passion. Pair that with Oklahoma’s legendary college football culture, and you will have a recipe for NFL success. Sundays in OKC could quickly become a fan’s paradise.
Austin, Texas
It’s no secret that Austin is on the rise. Nurturing a booming tech industry and a young, energetic population, it’s already hosting Formula 1 races and major music festivals. While Texas boasts iconic teams like the Cowboys and Texans, Austin has the potential to carve out a unique identity as the home of the NFL’s most unconventional and fun-loving team.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Sporting a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and staunch fans of the Utah Utes, Salt Lake City offers a fresh setting for the NFL. The city hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, so large-scale sports events are nothing new. Plus, Utah’s growing tech industry and population make it a rising star and a scenic NFL touchdown is waiting to happen.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando residents don’t just do Mickey Mouse; they know how to handle big crowds. Already home to the Pro Bowl and several college bowl games, Orlando has the infrastructure and energy for the NFL. Imagine a team that could draw tourists from around the globe—football and Disney—in one weekend. Now that’s a dream vacation.
Louisville, Kentucky
Horse racing may be the city’s claim to fame, but football is steadily gaining ground in Louisville. They have Cardinal Stadium, a football-ready venue primarily used for college games, but it could be adapted for NFL action. With a growing metro population and deep sports roots, Louisville could become an NFL dark horse.
Portland, Oregon
Known for its food trucks and hipster vibes, Portland’s sports scene is anything but laid-back. Portland is home to the Trail Blazers and Timbers, whose fans turn every game into a spectacle. Think of the energy if the NFL planted its flag here! Having a population of about 700,000 and a creative, passionate vibe, Portland could add a unique flavor to the NFL lineup.
