No. 15: Boston
Score: 39.5
Sports business — and history — runs through Boston like the route of its 126-year-old marathon (the world’s oldest), and few, if any, venues can match the iconic status of Fenway Park (MLB’s oldest ballpark).
TD Garden, home of the Celtics and Bruins, annually hosts 3.5 million visitors, including the 2022 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four (the ninth time the city has hosted the event). Gillette Stadium has won multiple bids to host NCAA championship weekends, including the 2025 and 2026 Divisions I, II and III Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Championships.
However, the per diem to visit the city is $370 per day — second to San Francisco — and the cost of living is 50% higher than national average.
Sponsors (34): A visit could include Converse, DraftKings, Dunkin’ Brands, Gillette, New Balance, Reebok, Sam Adams and W.B. Mason; as well as the HQ of Hill Holliday, Jack Morton and NESN.
What they’re saying: “The passion of Boston sports fans is undeniable. And there are more franchises, and more major brands and companies there than ever before.” — D.B.
