What does your team mean to your city?

[Findog]

Exception is the Steelers. Bandwagon Steelers fans consist mainly of white rednecks who still have ground affects on their trucks and ugly chicks with 1980s hairdos. Black dudes in NE Ohio are strong for the Browns.

The durability and pervasiveness of the Steeler fanbase is two things - bandwagoners who like to root for winners, and the industrial exodus out of Pittsburgh over the last 20-30 years has spread that fanbase out geographically. They pass their team loyalties down to their kids and so on.

[Findog]

However, ALL of them are UNC fans, even the ones who attended UA or ASU.

Dean Smith and Michael Jordan to thank for that.

[clambake]

The Pistons have a weird relationship with the City of Detroit. They gave us three championships, which were great. The Bad Boys really connected with the city. The problem came when the late owner, Bill Davidson, moved the Pistons from downtown Detroit to Auburn Hills, which is a rich suburb of Detroit about 40 minutes north of the city. It created somewhat of a disconnect. The Tigers and Red Wings stayed in Detroit. The Lions moved back to Detroit. Only the Pistons don't actually play in the city. It was okay at first because it was during the Bad Boys run and Detroit still loved those teams. But then in the early 90s, Jordan started dominating and the dreaded Teal Era of Pistons basketball began. We had Grant Hill but a lot of losing and futility.

There were plenty of fans that stuck by the team. And when Dumars took over, he breathed a little life back into the connection. The problem was that when the Pistons started getting good again, ticket prices got raised, and more and more corporates and high class people were buying the tickets. The diehards and middle class loyal fans got weeded out, especially in the lower bowl area of the seats. That helped widen that disconnect that some had already felt.

Detroit is a curious hodge podge of a sports city. Detroit has sports teams in all four major sports. We have two major college programs that are nearby with Michigan and Michigan State. The City has been blessed with championships from all four organizations, with the Lions being way, way, way back in 1957, but a championship nonetheless. The southern part of the City is very Red Wings dominant. The richer northern suburbs are Pistons dominated. And while both of those two teams have given multiple recent championships, the City remains widely a football and baseball town.

The Pistons mean a lot to some people in Detroit. But it's not the most important sports team. The most important sports team in Detroit remains the Detroit Lions, despite how bad they've been for so long. Then it's the Tigers. Then it's a toss-up between the Pistons and Red Wings, even though those two franchises have been more successful more recently.

Sports is big for metro Detroit. It's a blue collar city, and it's tough times. Sports are one of the things that Detroiters hold dearly.

great post. on a trip here from ireland, my dad took me to a playoff game between the lions and cowboys. iirc the cowboys won 5-0.

a long time ago.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Dean Smith and Michael Jordan to thank for that.

I think it's more to do with the amount of national championships they have.

[HarlemHeat37]

LOL @ the cheapest hoe in the stable talking like this..they gave you the night off tonight, Luva?..

Go take care of your business in that thread, and then come back here..you need to get your credentials back..

[redzero]

I'll tell you what, and anyone from LA that travels knows this is 100% true. And you busters from lesser cities know this is true too. When a cat from LA visits another city, immediately the es start jocking that cat. I've been to all the major cities, and plenty of the low life southern cities as well, and the moment they find out I'm fro m LA, the panties drop instantly!!! It could be your mama, sister, auntie, or daughter, the is like kryptonite. The local s tend to hate, and get mad, but by the time they get to react, I'm on plane going back home. Being a Laker fan is similar. Wearing the purple and gold is like wearing a Teflon suit. No one can with you. The hoes recognize a winner because we are winners. This reply has nothing to do with the question the original got posed, but I thought I'd give an answer you all would want hear.

[Findog]

Dallas is Cowboys, Cowboys, Cowboys. The only thing I've ever seen like it when it comes to rabid zealotry from the natives is Texas Longhorn football in Austin. Austin is still a hippie dippie town in some ways, but Longhorns football is as huge there as the Cowboys are in DFW.

The Rangers are the second most important franchise locally. They have a solid and loyal core in their fanbase that has stuck with them throughout their history, which is mostly littered with failure. They draw two million even when they suck, which is usually the case. If the Rangers ever actually threatened to do some serious damage in the playoffs, it would be a big, big deal and the bandwagon would fill up quick.

The Mavs and Stars I think only really thrive and draw when they're good. The Mavs are a distant third in importance to the Rangers and Cowboys, but they've outperformed them in meeting fan expectations for the past 10 years.

[Unforgivable]

I'll tell you what, and anyone from LA that travels knows this is 100% true. And you busters from lesser cities know this is true too. When a cat from LA visits another city, immediately the es start jocking that cat. I've been to all the major cities, and plenty of the low life southern cities as well, and the moment they find out I'm fro m LA, the panties drop instantly!!! It could be your mama, sister, auntie, or daughter, the is like kryptonite. The local s tend to hate, and get mad, but by the time they get to react, I'm on plane going back home. Being a Laker fan is similar. Wearing the purple and gold is like wearing a Teflon suit. No one can with you. The hoes recognize a winner because we are winners. This reply has nothing to do with the question the original got posed, but I thought I'd give an answer you all would want hear.

My OGBobbyJohnson bout to drop a dime on your ass,

[Findog]

I think it's more to do with the amount of national championships they have.

That helps, but there are a lot of powerhouse schools. Why not the inspired devotion to Duke or Indiana by the brothers?

Dean Smith integrated his teams a lot sooner than his ACC contemporaries, and was eager to recruit blacks. He built UNC into a national power by being ahead of the curve on race, and ran his program with a lot of integrity. He legitimately cared about things like civil rights and black graduation rates. Black America reveres Dean Smith a lot more than White America does.

Having a cultural icon like Michael Jordan as an alumnus counts a lot as well. UNC, along with Georgetown, is revered by blacks for deep-seated reasons.

[dirk4mvp]

tbh why couldn't Kyle have been wanting to go to Notre Dame in Above The Rim instead of Georgetown?

[Giuseppe]

and ran his program with a lot of integrity.

He ruined the game though with that 4 corners stall. It was unforgiveable.

[dirk4mvp]

So what now? You jumping off of my nuts on to his? I'm a true playa, . Follow me now and I'll show you how true playas get down.

crofl your schtick is about as cool as Brhornet's.

lol whitey

[OGBobbyJohnson]

I'll tell you what, and anyone from LA that travels knows this is 100% true. And you busters from lesser cities know this is true too. When a cat from LA visits another city, immediately the es start jocking that cat. I've been to all the major cities, and plenty of the low life southern cities as well, and the moment they find out I'm fro m LA, the panties drop instantly!!! It could be your mama, sister, auntie, or daughter, the is like kryptonite. The local s tend to hate, and get mad, but by the time they get to react, I'm on plane going back home. Being a Laker fan is similar. Wearing the purple and gold is like wearing a Teflon suit. No one can with you. The hoes recognize a winner because we are winners. This reply has nothing to do with the question the original got posed, but I thought I'd give an answer you all would want hear.

Damn, . I know this net and all, but you gotta quit fronting. The history's broke on you, dog. s tend hate on you cause you be wearing snitchass Kobe's colors, and any real OG don't 'preciate that , you dig?

And damn straight you been to all the major cities. That asshole of yours has made alot ends for the Deuce. . Ray-Ray bought a Bentley from what you ass bring in. We truly thankful for that, . It's why you eyes never seen a potato slide on to the barrel of a gat. Yo ass puts in alot awork smuggling dope and gats and taking in gay trick . . Sometimes we feel sorry for you, watching you limp around like a cripple.

Thanks again, . But quit fronting. Keep that real and know you role in the set...

Cheapest hoe in the stable.

I was 'bout to give you ass a day off. Let yo asshole rest a bit. I figure that probably be looking like Berbick's face after Tyson knock his ass out. Not now, busta. You back on the clock.

Consider it punishment for acting all uppity.

[Findog]

I don't know if the Mavs are a distant 3rd. Right now I'd say they're a distant 2nd. Every team that isn't the Cowboys really suffers when the team sucks, and thrives when the team is good. Just last season Ian Kinsler took criticism because he was pissed the fans weren't showing up while they were still in the hunt for the division le.

I don't know that the Rangers fanbase during the 96-99 run was any better than the current Mavericks fanbase during their strong period.

The Stars are obviously 4th but only cuz nobody in Dallas cares about hockey.

The Rangers have been here longer than the Mavericks and I think in most people's heart of hearts, they'd take a Rangers World Series over a Mavs Finals.

[LnGrrrR]

This should be obvious, but despite having a historically great team in the Celtics, Boston is first and foremost, and always will be, a baseball city. No team can top the Red Sox.

However, all the sports teams are beloved by the fanbase. The Pats didn't have any true fans outside the locals until this decade, and the Bruins are mostly beloved by the locals as well.

If I had to rank local love, it'd be Red Sox first by a good amount, Celtics second, and then a good deal below, Bruins and Pats tied for third. Once Brady leaves and the Pats suck again, all the bandwagoners will jump off.

[Ghazi]

I'm not from Dallas, but do you think there's any shot when Lebron comes to Dallas it could change the entire atmosphere regarding obsession with Cowboys whereas the Mavericks are just the little brother?

I mean... we're talking about one of the 5 most prominent athletes in the WORLD.

[LnGrrrR]

I'm not from Dallas, but do you think there's any shot when Lebron comes to Dallas it could change the entire atmosphere regarding obsession with Cowboys whereas the Mavericks are just the little brother?

I mean... we're talking about one of the 5 most prominent athletes in the WORLD.

I highly doubt it. Texas is crazy about football.

Again, look at Boston. The Pats won in 2001, 2003 AND 2004... yet I don't think anyone would say that the Pats outshadowed the Red Sox as far as local importance.

(Of course, winning in 2004 for the Sox helped heh.)

One player doesn't change a city's sports makeup that much, even if the player is world-beating. See JoeTait's comments about the Browns.

[panic giraffe]

Mexicans are no different. It's a minority thing.

kindly kill yourself.

[dirk4mvp]

crofl

[Killakobe81]

The Lakers are L.A. ... the hardwork, celebrity, entertainment, arrogance, overpriced seating and high expectations for success ... reflect L.A - high cost of living, galmour, glitz, the grime the crime

The Lakers embody all that is good and bad about living in LA

But when we win .... aww man!!!
A Laker's parade brings it ALL together in a way that folks that have never experienced would NEVER understand ...

[Killakobe81]

I'm not from Dallas, but do you think there's any shot when Lebron comes to Dallas it could change the entire atmosphere regarding obsession with Cowboys whereas the Mavericks are just the little brother?

I mean... we're talking about one of the 5 most prominent athletes in the WORLD.

Nope I live in Dallas it's a Cowboys town. Even during this dead period in football they talk more about Romo playing golf and a backup OT picked up in a trade than the Mavs ...

I have fam that live in Chicago and when the Bulls were winning they owned the town for a short while but Chicago is a Bears/Cubs town even though the Bulls and Wsox have won more recently...

[Giuseppe]

The Lakers are L.A. ... the hardwork, celebrity, entertainment, arrogance, overpriced seating and high expectations for success ... reflect L.A - high cost of living, galmour, glitz, the grime the crime

The Lakers embody all that is good and bad about living in LA

But when we a Laker's parade brings it ALL together in a way that folks that have never experienced would NEVER understand ...

I'm innately ignorant, but, grand stuff, Killa. Easily visualized and quite emotional.

[Killakobe81]

I'll tell you what, and anyone from LA that travels knows this is 100% true. And you busters from lesser cities know this is true too. When a cat from LA visits another city, immediately the es start jocking that cat. I've been to all the major cities, and plenty of the low life southern cities as well, and the moment they find out I'm fro m LA, the panties drop instantly!!! It could be your mama, sister, auntie, or daughter, the is like kryptonite. The local s tend to hate, and get mad, but by the time they get to react, I'm on plane going back home. Being a Laker fan is similar. Wearing the purple and gold is like wearing a Teflon suit. No one can with you. The hoes recognize a winner because we are winners. This reply has nothing to do with the question the original got posed, but I thought I'd give an answer you all would want hear.

IDK if I would say it works EXACTLY like Lakaluva says ...but I travel for work ...and LA probaly gets the most love as far as women being intrigued with where you live or come from.

I lived in NY for a few years and folks are impressed with that as well ...but LA you get questions about the celebrities, the califroina sticky icky, the women etc.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

kindly kill yourself.

Responses like this give the vibe that pointing out Hispanics are bandwagon fans struck a nerve with you somewhere......I wonder why

[Killakobe81]

The Pistons have a weird relationship with the City of Detroit. They gave us three championships, which were great. The Bad Boys really connected with the city. The problem came when the late owner, Bill Davidson, moved the Pistons from downtown Detroit to Auburn Hills, which is a rich suburb of Detroit about 40 minutes north of the city. It created somewhat of a disconnect. The Tigers and Red Wings stayed in Detroit. The Lions moved back to Detroit. Only the Pistons don't actually play in the city. It was okay at first because it was during the Bad Boys run and Detroit still loved those teams. But then in the early 90s, Jordan started dominating and the dreaded Teal Era of Pistons basketball began. We had Grant Hill but a lot of losing and futility.

There were plenty of fans that stuck by the team. And when Dumars took over, he breathed a little life back into the connection. The problem was that when the Pistons started getting good again, ticket prices got raised, and more and more corporates and high class people were buying the tickets. The diehards and middle class loyal fans got weeded out, especially in the lower bowl area of the seats. That helped widen that disconnect that some had already felt.

Detroit is a curious hodge podge of a sports city. Detroit has sports teams in all four major sports. We have two major college programs that are nearby with Michigan and Michigan State. The City has been blessed with championships from all four organizations, with the Lions being way, way, way back in 1957, but a championship nonetheless. The southern part of the City is very Red Wings dominant. The richer northern suburbs are Pistons dominated. And while both of those two teams have given multiple recent championships, the City remains widely a football and baseball town.

The Pistons mean a lot to some people in Detroit. But it's not the most important sports team. The most important sports team in Detroit remains the Detroit Lions, despite how bad they've been for so long. Then it's the Tigers. Then it's a toss-up between the Pistons and Red Wings, even though those two franchises have been more successful more recently.

Sports is big for metro Detroit. It's a blue collar city, and it's tough times. Sports are one of the things that Detroiters hold dearly.

Great post Jamstone!
Detroit is one of the few major US cities I have not had the pleasure of travelling to ...
Your post gave me a good feel for the pulse of the city ...
I bet sportstalk there is amazing with passionate fans that would never dream of betraying their teams to jump on Kobe's, Lebron's or Peyton's bandwagon ...good stuff.