No. 17: Cincinnati
Score: 38.2
Cincinnati’s five pro teams, four Division I colleges and ATP/WTA tournament combined to attract more than 17.7 million people over the past five seasons, far over-indexing against the market’s population of 2.3 million and its $63,116 median household income (78th in the country). The business climate is a blend of new and VERY old: the Cincinnati Red Stockings were founded in 1869 and are the oldest professional baseball team; the ATP/WTA Western & Southern Open is the nation’s oldest professional tennis tournament played in its city of origin (1899) and is played at one of only eight permanent pro tennis sites in the U.S.; and FC Cincinnati, which joined MLS five years ago, plays at the new TQL Stadium.
Sponsors (16): A remarkable 10 of the region’s 16 brands have a venue naming-rights or an event title sponsorship, including Kroger, Procter & Gamble and Fifth Third Bank.
What they’re saying: “The town is so underrated. Almost all the major teams and sponsors are practically within walking distance of each other. And they are close to the fun Over-the Rhine district.” — D.B.
