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Detroit Ranks As A Most Valuable City In Pro Sports

Online Betting Guide (OLBG) recently analyzed the revenue each professional team brings into their home city. They focused on the five major leagues; NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS. As…

Fans enjoy the atmosphere outside Comerica Park during opening day prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Online Betting Guide (OLBG) recently analyzed the revenue each professional team brings into their home city. They focused on the five major leagues; NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS. As a result of these numbers, Detroit ranks as one of the top 10 most valuable pro sports cities in the country.

Detroit benefits greatly in this report given four of their major sports team play within city borders. As a result, Detroit ranked as the seventh most valuable pro sports city with the four teams (and three stadiums). OLBG found that the current pro sports revenue was $1.189 billion.

OLBG also looked at these figures from a state perspective. In doing so, Michigan holds the 14th most valuable pro sports market in the country. However, the state is projected to see a 29% increase in sports revenue by the year 2030.

What Cities And Markets Are At The Top?

There are no major surprises here other than what you may expect the order to be. In the cities category, Chicago, New York, Arlington, and Los Angeles are the top four, respectively. However, in OLBG's forecasting, New York is expected to take over the top spot by the year 2030 with an estimated revenue of $2.487 billion.

On the state level, the top four align to California, Texas, Florida, and New York. The Sunshine State appears here as the state has four major cities home to pro sports teams.

The Lions had a promising 2022 season, and the Red Wings' historic franchise always draws a crowd. Furthermore, Comerica Park consistently draws baseball enthusiasts from around the world each season.

Michigan obviously has a well-established and passionate fanbase. Therefore it should come as no surprise that Detroit ranks as the seventh most valuable pro sports city in the country.

12 Of The Most Unique MLB Stadium Attractions

Major League Baseball has a deep respect for their game's rich history. Attending a ballgame can be a great experience that allows fans to marvel at baseball culture. Furthermore, most MLB parks have designed stadium attractions that make them unique amongst the 30 venues in the league.

From museums to bodies of water to fan-zone fun, the MLB stadiums across the country each have something that is representative of their character. Often you will find baseball enthusiasts track how many ballparks they have been to. In addition, it is common for fans to build trips to other cities to have a new MLB park experience.

MLB is the only professional sport in the country where each team has its own dedicated stadium. For example, in the NFL, the Jets and Giants share Metlife Stadium. Many NBA team share their home arena with the NHL team in their city. In professional baseball, each of the 30 teams has their own home field that is theirs alone. This enables the organization to build more character specific to the club.

The interior of an MLB ballpark is all about the players. Though there is a mysterious aura about the clubhouse, given that they are underground. The common thread in modern-day construction is centered around the ballclub. The intent is to make each clubhouse comfortable, hi-tech, and private for the players and coaches. The rest of the stadium is all about the fan experience.

Inside The Park

Here, we will look at some of the most unique MLB stadium attractions. Each is representative of their city and team history. They provide character to the ballpark. In many cases, these features make the park a landmark in their home state.

If you want to take in an MLB game in a ballpark you have not visited yet, here are some attractions to consider.

The Pool at Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks

Behind the outfield wall at Chase Field, there's a pool area. From here, you can see the entire game. At the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, you can take in a National League West game while going for a swim. The area accommodates 35 people.

A general view of action between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies during the game at Chase Field Phoenix, Arizona.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Green Monster Seats at Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox

You surely know all about the infamous Green Monster left field wall at Fenway Park, but did you know you can sit on top of it? There are 269 seats available for Red Sox ticket purchase. This area is a common spot for lucky fans to catch a home run ball.

A view of the Green Monster at Fenway Park

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The Museum at Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees

Hundreds of signed baseballs by Yankee greats, plagues, and statues are just some of the incredible monuments in the museum at Yankee Stadium. Some of the exhibits rotate, but "Yankees by the numbers" jerseys, World Series rings, and trophies are always on display.

McCovey Cove at AT&T Park - San Francisco Giants

If you want to kayak up against the outfield wall of a picturesque stadium, McCovey Cove in San Francisco is your spot. While its common to see boats overshadowing right field, this is also a common spot for those looking to catch a memorable home run ball.

McCovey Cove at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California.

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The Ivy at Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs

"There's magic in the ivy and the old scoreboard," Eddie Vedder sings in his Cubs tribute song "All The Way." The legendary ivy covering the outfield walls at Wrigley might arguably be the most iconic ballpark look of all.

Outfielders of the Chicago Cubs chase after during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field The ball was lost in the ivy.

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

The Park at Petco Park - San Diego Padres

Technically it's called Gallagher Square, but the Park at Petco Park is located outside the outfield walls but inside the gates of the stadium. You need a ticket on gameday to access this space, which has mini fields and a statue of the late Padres great Tony Gwynn.

Touch Tank at Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays

A tank containing real live stingrays rests within the outfield of the stadium. This is a 35 foot, 10,000 gallon exhibit that is in partnership with the Florida Aquarium.

Fans gather around the touch tank in Tampa at a Rays game.

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The Train at Minute Made Park - Houston Astros

15-foot-high and 56-foot-long replica of an 1862 steam locomotive goes for a ride each time the Astros hit a home run. Sitting 90 feet above the field, you will hear this train go for a 40 second ride back and forth. This area of the park used to be Union Station, which is why the train was brought in as an attraction in 2000. It is driven by Bobby Dynamite.

The Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park - Miami Marlins

Along the main concourse in center field, there's the Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park in Miami. This is the home of over 500 bobbleheads that are enclosed behind glass. While many of these are MLB and minor league players, a section includes entertainers and special giveaways the Marlins have done.

The Bobble Head Museum at Marlins Park in Miami.

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Bernie Brewer's Slide at American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers

When the Brewers hit a home run, their mascot Bernie slides down a giant yellow slide out of his outfield treehouse. Fans can take a ride down as well. Tickets are available for purchase for some pre-game fun ($150-$175).

The Fountains at Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals

The city fountains are well represented at the home of the Royals. The fountains in outfield are 322 feet wide. They can change colors and offer a magnificent display. Select 200 level seats near the fountains can be purchased. There are eight programmed fountain shows, where 600 nozzles can launch into 150 combinations of effects.

A general view of the fountains in the outfield at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

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The Rockpile at Coors Field - Colorado Rockies

You can sit high above centerfield in Colorado. The Rockpile offers $4 select tickets. It's a bleacher style seating, giving you a true Rocky Mountain feel.

A general view of the Rockpile in center field at Coors field in Colorado.

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Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.