5 Most Popular Sports in Ohio

Ohio has many passionate sports fans, and several popular sports draw large crowds throughout the year. From college football to professional baseball, Ohioans love their teams and support them through thick and thin. Here’s a look at five of the most popular sports in Ohio.

Ohio Pro Sports Teams

NFL

NFL popularity has steadily increased over the last decade in Ohio. This may be thanks to the passionate fan base that comes out in droves for each game or tailgate party and the rising attention given to popular teams across the country.

The state of Ohio also has an expansive betting industry and plentiful sportsbooks, making wagering on the NFL accessible and enjoyable for those who indulge. For example, Ohio Sports Betting statistics show NFL as one of their leading participants in sports betting–illustrating just how much of an Ohio pastime football can be for some individuals.

NHL

The National Hockey League has experienced a surge in popularity and exposure in Ohio, particularly over the past few years. Much of the credit for this surge goes to the institutions and organizations that have become involved in growing the game across the state.

There are multiple avenues through which Ohioans gain access to hockey, from schools and colleges to sports teams and arenas. This exposure has led to increased viewership and enthusiasm for professional games and programs at all levels. As such, it is safe to say that in Ohio, NHL hockey is on the rise regarding presence and attendance.

NBA

The popularity of National Basketball Association (NBA) has become increasingly popular in Ohio over the past few years. With multiple successes of recent and former professional teams, basketball admiration has grown throughout the state. From merchandise to local events and ideals to conversations, it’s hard to find an Ohioan who doesn’t have a connection or includes some aspects of modern-day NBA culture in their lifestyle.

Plenty of aspiring athletes and fans continue to support their favorite teams every day across the state. No matter what time of year it is, basketball will forever remain at the top for sport in many small towns, cities, and states all across America.

MMA

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is becoming increasingly popular in Ohio. With its blend of striking and grappling techniques, MMA delivers an entertainment experience for viewers and an opportunity for enthusiasts to test their skills. As people become more familiar with the martial art and gain access to facilities dedicated to practicing it, the number of passionate practitioners grows every day.

Additionally, due to the state’s large population and diverse culture, many people throughout Ohio are drawn toward MMA for its physical and mental benefits. As a result, MMA is on the upswing in popularity in Ohio, making it an exciting time for aficionados and those interested in trying it out.

Cleveland Guardians

MLB

The state of Ohio has a strong affinity and pride for Major League Baseball. With the great American pastime deeply rooted in the heritage and culture of the Buckeye State, this remains true today. Fans flock to stadiums throughout Ohio during the regular season to cheer for their team and witness thrilling, heart-stopping games as players put their talents and skill on display as part of America’s favorite sport.

With a genuine passion for baseball shining through each home outing, these experiences will surely last in memory long after the final inning is complete. As such, MLB popularity continues to soar among residents of Ohio with no signs of fading any time soon.

Conclusion

From NFL to MMA, Ohio has a wide range of popular sports that bring fans together. The state houses many passionate fans, and its growing attention towards various sports teams across the country continues to attract more followers with each passing day. With this in mind, there is no doubt that Ohio will remain a prime destination for all kinds of sporting activities and entertainment.

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Two Years Ago Today – Cleveland… This is For You!

Two years ago today, this happened. For years Clevelanders had been dealing with things like The Drive. The Fumble. The Shot. The Decision. Then on that fateful Father’s Day evening, LeBron James and crew did the impossible. They brought a championship back to Cleveland. It still doesn’t seem real and even though we’ve not fared nearly as well against the Warriors the last two years, nothing will ever tarnish that night. 

I got to share it with my wife, kids, neighbors and all of Cleveland. It was a special night that will never be undone. 

That’s, most certainly, Cleveland Baby.

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Dolph Ziggler & The Miz at The Q

For this Throwback Thursday entry we go back to June of 2015 when WWE Superstars (and Clevelanders) Dolph Ziggler and The Miz were in the house at Quicken Loans Arena to cheer on the Cavs in the NBA Finals.

Dolph Ziggler & The Miz
Photo Credit: The Miz on Twitter

Got a Cleveland pic you’d like to share? Upload it here!

That’s Cleveland Baby!

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Property of the Cleveland Cavaliers

For this Throwback Thursday entry we’re looking back to when LeBron James posed with his newly won Larry O’ Brien Trophy after our very own Cleveland Cavaliers made history and erased a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.

Property of the Cavs

The Cavaliers start their defense of the title on October 25th at home against the New York Knicks.

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Charlie Sheen Has Nothing On Cleveland

There’s been quite a bit of winning going on lately in Cleveland and that trend continued last night at the ESPY Awards. The Cavaliers took home SEVEN awards last night including: Best Team, Best Male Athlete – LeBron James, Best Coach/Manager – Tyronn Lue, Best Championship Performance – LeBron James, Best NBA Player – LeBron James, Best Moment in Sports – Cavaliers winning the NBA Championship and Best Game – Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Cleveland Wins
Photo Credit: cleclothingco on Instagram

It was a long time coming and I don’t know about you, but I could get used to this.

That’s Cleveland Baby

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Two of My Loves Combined

If you know me at all you know I’m not only a huge Cleveland sports fan but I’m also a life long professional wrestling fan. Triple H (the real life COO of the WWE as well as an on-air performer) just tweeted this photo… and it’s perfect…

Cavs WWE World Title Belt
Photo Credit: Triple H on Twitter

He had this to say: “An unprecedented comeback and a long overdue @NBA Championship… THAT is something to celebrate. Congrats @cavs!”

The champs… are… here!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!!

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The Moment We’ve Waited a Lifetime For

The Drive. The Fumble. The Shot. The Decision.

I could go on and on but this morning I don’t have to. The Cleveland Cavaliers did something last night that had never been done. They came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the first NBA title in team history. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it.

The Moment

I got to share it with my wife, kids, neighbors and all of Cleveland. It was a special night. The city is still buzzing this morning.

That… most certainly… is Cleveland Baby!!!

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That Dunk Though

After a couple of lackluster performances in the first two games of the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers came out firing on all cylinders in Game 3 and gave the Golden State Warriors a good ol fashion beat down. The play of the game (there were several) was an alley oop from Tristan Thompson to LeBron James that he hammered home from WAY above the rim. It was a spectacle to see.

Lebron Game 3 Dunk Cavs FB
Photo Credit: Cleveland Cavaliers Facebook

Here it is from the reverse angle:

Lebron Game 3 Dunk Cleveland.com Joshua Gunter
Photo Credit: Joshua Gunter / Cleveland.com

And one more with a cool shadow:

Lebron Dunk Game 3

The series continues on Friday at 9:00 PM when the Cavs host the Warriors once again. Let’s go Cavs!!!!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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The Finals Are Back

The Cavs are back home in the NBA Finals (albeit down 0-2) to Golden State. Tonight they look to get back into the series with a victory on their home court. This photo was posted last year on Instagram by officialclevelandsports when they said, “The calm before the storm! Let’s be loud and proud tonight! Let’s show the world what Cleveland is really about #IBelieve #ClevelandAgainstTheWorld”

The Finals
Photo Credit: officialclevelandsports on Instagram

Let’s make the Q loud tonight Cleveland. The Cavs are home and ready to go on a run!

Got a Cleveland picture you’d like to see featured? Submit it here!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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The More Things Change…

For the second year in a row, the Cavs and the Golden State Warriors will do battle in the NBA Finals. The first game of the Finals will be played on Thursday June 2nd.

Cavs Warriors 2016 NBA Finals
Photo Credit: Cleveland Cavs Facebook Page

Do you have a prediction for this year’s Finals? All I know is that Cleveland is ALL IN!!!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Sweep Into the Conference Finals

Led by Kevin Love (27 points and 13 rebounds) the Cavs completed the four game sweep of the Atlanta Hawks and will move on to the Eastern Conference Finals where they’ll meet the winner of the Raptors and the Heat.

Kevin Love - Thomas Ondrey - The Plain Dealer
Photo Credit: Thomas Ondrey – The Plain Dealer

The Cavaliers are the only remaining unbeaten team in the playoffs.

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Cavs Historic Night In Game 2

The Cleveland Cavaliers broke the NBA record for 3-pointers in a game when they drained 25 threes during a 123-98 drubbing of the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 of the Easter Conference Semi-Finals.

JR Smith posted this photo to his Facebook account with a single sentence: “I think this is a credit of just how hard we work.”

JR Smith Three
Photo Credit: JR Smith Facebook

The Cavs take a 2-0 series lead to Atlanta where the series will resume on Friday night.

That’s Cleveland Baby!!! 

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Cavs Sweep Into The Second Round

The Cavaliers completed a first round sweep of the Detroit Pistons last night winning their opening round series 4-0. Kyrie Irving and LeBron James combined to average more than 50 points per game in the series. The Cavs now rest waiting for the winner of the Celtics and Hawks series which is knotted at two games a piece.

LeBron James & Kyrie Irving
Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

Do you think the Cavs are ready to make another run to the NBA Finals?

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Sea of Wine & Gold

It’s almost time for the NBA Playoffs once again and the Cavs have secured the #1 spot in the East. Last year, Instagram user jennifersteer had this to say when she snapped this shot: “A sea of wine. #AllinCLE #NBAFinals #Cleveland”

Sea of Wine
Photo Credit: Instagram user jennifersteer

How do you think the Cavaliers will do in this year’s post season? Do they have what it takes to bring a title to C-town?

Got a Cleveland picture you’d like to see featured? Submit it here!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Cavs Say Goodbye To Anderson Varejao

The Cavs sent Anderson Varejao and a conditional first-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in a deal that ultimately brought Channing Frye to the team. Varejao spent all 12 of his years in Cleveland. He had his chance to move when LeBron James left, but he chose to stay to help turn the franchise around.

Anderson Varejao

The NBA is a business. And sadly, Andy got the bad end of a business deal. From this Cavs fan, a most sincere thank you for 12 great years in the wine and gold.

That’s Cleveland Baby…

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Will We Make Our Way Back?

For today’s Throwback Thursday entry I ran across this in my drafts. ClevelandChick shared this during last year’s NBA Finals. The Cavs have made quite a few changes recently. Will they make their way back to the Finals this season?

ClevelandChick NBA Finals
Photo Credit: ClevelandChick on Twitter

Do you have a Cleveland pic you’d like to share? Upload it here and we’ll give you full credit!

That’s Cleveland Baby!!!

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Cavaliers Fire David Blatt

Even with the best record in the Eastern Conference at 30-11, the Cavaliers fired head coach David Blatt today. Assistant coach Tyronn Lue will be the team’s new coach.

David Blatt
Photo credit: The Sporting News

Not quite sure what to make of this move. Cavs GM David Griffin said the decision was made to ensure that the team had the best chance of bringing championships to Northeast Ohio. I certainly hope so.

Thanks for your time in Cleveland Mr. Blatt. At least from this fan it was very much appreciated. Here’s to you Mr. Lue. You’ve got unfinished business to take care of.

That’s Cleveland Baby…

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