So... Who Actually Has the Greatest Fans?

After every major accomplishment by a player or team, the phrase, "we have the greatest fans in the world" is often thrown around as praise. But is this commonly uttered phrase thanking the fans for their loyalty? Or, rather, allowing the athletes to represent their city?

Unfortunate as it may be, the Chicago Blackhawks, our beloved hockey dynasty, lost game 7 at home to the Los Angeles Kings. But for a small moment, my fellow sports fanatics and I focused on an alarming statistic, which bashed the loyalty of the adversary's fan base. In fact, according to Bleacher Report, the losing Blackhawks reeled in five times the amount of viewers as our foes, who just happen to be in the nations number 2 TV market. "The game actually pulled a higher rating in Buffalo" according to the very same article.

Whether or not they had ample support from their fan base, the Kings are on their way to the Stanley Cup final, one of the most cherished prizes in sports. But it got me thinking, who really has the best fans, and why are they better in certain places compared to others?

Being loyal to a sports franchise can be hard, we all get that. It's difficult for some to want to attend a game which has a high probability of ending in defeat. But why don't we all take a look at the Chicago Cubs as an example. Their unprecedented streak of over 100 years without a championship tops all, but still, year in and year out they pull in the fans. They are one of the worst teams in baseball currently, and have been for the better part of two decades. But fans come for the experience, not necessarily the team. It's a far different culture going to a Cubs game than it is anywhere else. The culture of the city plays a big role in fan loyalty.

It also has to do with where you are, geographically speaking. In defense to the Kings, Hollywood doesn't strike us as a hockey town, after all it sits in perfect temperatures nearly every day of the year. People in warm climates are less likely to fall in love with a sport played on ice. Much like people are less likely to attend a baseball game if it's going to be 35 degrees outside.

Whether we like it or not, the most loyal fans are those to teams who constantly put up a winning record and compete for championships. That's what we crave, we want a celebration. It's a huge bummer when your team gets knocked out after years of hard work. Some franchises just know how to put a winning team in the spotlight.