Lynn Family Stadium, which opened last year, is home to Louisville City FC.getty images
The Birmingham-Hoover, Ala., metropolitan area has a population of about 1.15 million, according to the most recent U.S. Census, making it the country’s 50th biggest market. Here’s a quick look at the amateur sporting events scene at a few similarly sized markets that do not have a major league team.
46. Louisville, Ky. (1.3 million)
Sports cred: The new $70 million Lynn Family Stadium has bolstered the market’s already strong reputation, as it was awarded the 2023 Division I Men’s Soccer Championship.
Recent wins: Division I Men’s Basketball Regional; NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship; International Women’s Cup (soccer); USA BMX Derby City Nationals; NCAA DIII Cross Country National Championship; Team First Travel Run 4 Roses women’s basketball tournament.
57. Omaha, Neb. (955,000)
Sports cred: Annual host of College World Series. This year will become the first city ever to host Olympic Trials for both a Summer (USA Swimming) and a Winter sport (U.S. Curling).
Recent wins: NAIA men’s and women’s basketball opening rounds; USA Wrestling U23 and UWW Junior Nationals; USA BMX Mid America Nationals; FIVB World Grand Prix Final; U.S. Figure Skating National Championships.
73. Charleston, S.C. (818,000)
Sports cred: Water, tennis and golf events abound, but the area has a diverse roster of venues.
Recent wins: Malibu Open Professional Waterski Festival; ESPN’s Charleston Classic NCAA (basketball) Tournament; Charleston Cup Gymnastics Meet; NCAA Men’s and Women’s Rifle Championships; USTA Girls’ 18 National Clay Court Championships at LTP; Colonial Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Championship.
76. Greensboro, N.C. (776,000)
Sports cred: The market has hosted so many college championships, including track and field, swimming and diving, golf, soccer, basketball, baseball and wrestling, that it trademarked “Tournament Town.’’
Recent wins: USA Gymnastics Championships; U.S.Figure Skating National Championships; USA Swimming Winter National Championships; AAU Junior Olympic Games; USA Masters Games.
82. Des Moines, Iowa (708,000)
Sports cred: The downtown Iowa Events Center boasts the 17,000-seat Wells Fargo Arena, the state’s largest exhibit hall at the Hy-Vee Hall, and the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center state’s largest ballroom (28,730 square feet) and 150,000 square feet of exhibit space, attached to a new Hilton.
Recent wins: AAU Junior Olympics; NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball opening rounds; USATF Outdoor Championships; NAIA Wrestling Championships; USSSA Baseball and Softball Championships; USA Gymnastics Championships; NCAA Men’s & Women’s Basketball Division II National Championships.
