July 3, 200917 yr So I got my ESPN the Magazine today, and the cover story is their annual rankings of all professional sports teams in the big four leagues from best to worst. The factors they use to rank teams are: -Affordability -Coaching -Fan Relations -Ownership -Players -Stadium Experience -Title Track (basically competitiveness) -Bang for the Buck The Angels are #1, and the Clippers are #122 (last). As far as Florida teams go, here is the order: 16. Tampa Bay Rays 18. Orlando Magic 55. Miami Heat 61. Miami Dolphins 62. Jacksonville Jaguars 73. Tampa Bay Bucs 77. Florida Marlins 85. Tampa Bay Lightning 90. Florida Panthers In some of the individual categories, the Miami Heat actually have the 5th cheapest beer in pro-sports ($5.50 for 21 oz). Not surprisingly, the Marlins are 3rd last in stadium rating (120th overall). The only lower-rated stadiums are the homes of the Oakland A's and the New York Islanders.
July 3, 200917 yr Why is Tampa Bay ranked so high? Honestly. Until last year they were one of the worst teams in baseball, their fan base is definitely lacking, Tropicana Field looks like a piece of crap, only second to Turner Field, etc. I just don't see how anyone can rank them top 20...
July 3, 200917 yr Author Why is Tampa Bay ranked so high? Honestly. Until last year they were one of the worst teams in baseball, their fan base is definitely lacking, Tropicana Field looks like a piece of crap, only second to Turner Field, etc. I just don't see how anyone can rank them top 20... They jumped from the 80s last year almost 70 slots up to the current position. I think a lot of it is that they have a good team that has actually been to the WS, and their farm system will keep them in contention even in the AL East for a long time if they keep it up. Tickets over there are also pretty affordable, I believe. Plus, the new ownership is a lot more committed to winning than the last.
July 3, 200917 yr Why are the Dolphins so low? Before the last few years, they had at least a 500 record for like 30 straight years except for 1 6-10 season about 1987.
July 3, 200917 yr Author Why are the Dolphins so low? Before the last few years, they had at least a 500 record for like 30 straight years except for 1 6-10 season about 1987. Tickets aren't cheap, the team has only been to the playoffs once since 2001 (I believe), the coaching has changed A LOT, the talent hasn't been there much lately (until last year that is).
July 3, 200917 yr That list is more about "What have you done for me lately" than anything else. Why else would the Rays and Magic be so high.
July 3, 200917 yr So I got my ESPN the Magazine today, and the cover story is their annual rankings of all professional sports teams in the big four leagues from best to worst. The factors they use to rank teams are: -Affordability -Coaching -Fan Relations -Ownership -Players -Stadium Experience -Title Track (basically competitiveness) -Bang for the Buck The Angels are #1, and the Clippers are #122 (last). As far as Florida teams go, here is the order: 16. Tampa Bay Rays 18. Orlando Magic 55. Miami Heat 61. Miami Dolphins 62. Jacksonville Jaguars 73. Tampa Bay Bucs 77. Florida Marlins 85. Tampa Bay Lightning 90. Florida Panthers In some of the individual categories, the Miami Heat actually have the 5th cheapest beer in pro-sports ($5.50 for 21 oz). Not surprisingly, the Marlins are 3rd last in stadium rating (120th overall). The only lower-rated stadiums are the homes of the Oakland A's and the New York Islanders. And I am the SAD SAD Isles fan!!
July 4, 200917 yr That list is more about "What have you done for me lately" than anything else. Why else would the Rays and Magic be so high. Very true the Rays we're a terrible team in a mediocre stadium with no fans for many many years until last season when all there talent finally panned out.
July 4, 200917 yr Why is Tampa Bay ranked so high? Honestly. Until last year they were one of the worst teams in baseball, their fan base is definitely lacking, Tropicana Field looks like a piece of crap, only second to Turner Field, etc. I just don't see how anyone can rank them top 20... You basically said it. New ownership came in and really turned the team around, it's a great young team, it's got a fantastic farm system, a lot of people really like their coach, they have a great relationship with their fans, which have grown exponentially in the last year and a half. The stadium sucks, but the stadium experience, with everything they have for the fans, is pretty damn good, they have very cheap tickets, ext. They're up there in just about everything but "Title Track". Also, you're absolutely ridiculous if you think Turner Field is a piece of crap.
July 4, 200917 yr Author Unfortunately this year they did not break down the individual teams' rankings by category. Maybe on ESPN's website, but it wasn't in the magazine.
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