Green Bay has been named the best midsize sports city in the nation, according to a recent WalletHub study, with much of the credit going to its storied football franchise and iconic stadium.
"The city is known for its enthusiastic fans and a passion for local football, ranking as the third-best football city in the country overall," WalletHub wrote in its findings.
The study pointed to the Green Bay Packers' long record of success. The franchise holds the 10th-highest win percentage in league history, along with 19 division championships and four Super Bowl titles.
WalletHub also noted that catching a game at Lambeau Field can cost less than attending games in some larger markets. According to the study, the team's nonprofit ownership structure helps keep ticket prices reasonable. The Packers additionally benefit from widespread popularity and some of the most engaged fans on social media.
The franchise carries an estimated value of $8.6 billion, according to Forbes, and it stands as the only publicly owned franchise in the NFL.
Beyond the midsize category, WalletHub placed Green Bay at No. 3 on its ranking of the best football cities in the country. Across cities of all sizes, Green Bay came in at No. 22 for sports fans overall.
The study did identify one weakness, however. WalletHub wrote that "the downside to Green Bay is that its sports culture is almost entirely focused on football."
At the top of the overall rankings, Los Angeles was named the best sports city in the United States, followed by Boston, New York, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in the top five.
