U.S. citizens love sports and viewing them is one of the most beloved social activities. Popular American sports include football, baseball and basketball – with Pennsylvania being no different; football being particularly prevalent at both high school and collegiate levels. Continue reading below for a closer look at Pennsylvanian sporting activities!
Football
On Friday evenings, football fever takes over in small Pennsylvania communities when high school football teams compete. Pennsylvania has two teams in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers joined the league in 1933. Both of these teams have been very successful and have fans all over the world. Many iconic football players have played in these teams.
Pennsylvania sports betting has become a popular activity since legalization. Online sportsbooks offer NFL odds and many types of bets. Fans can place real money bets on football games and enjoy legal and safe betting in a market regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
Basketball
Basketball is one of the most-watched sports in the Keystone State. Philadelphia 76ers participate in the NBA and have won three championships over time. Over that span of time they have produced many legendary NBA figures like Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain and Paul Arizin; though more recently their fortunes have suffered considerably they’re beginning to rebuild with newer stars like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid helping put back in position to compete and ultimately succeeding once more.
Baseball
Baseball remains a beloved pastime in Pennsylvania despite seeing viewership decrease across the board. Both Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies participate in Major League Baseball (MLB); with Pirates competing in National League Central Division while Phillies competing in National League East. The rivalry between the two teams has been going on for years and this fuels baseball’s popularity in the state.
Golf
Golf may be overlooked because it isn’t a team sport and doesn’t have some of the physicality you see in other sports. However, playing golf, watching it, and betting on it are very popular activities in the state. Pennsylvania has more than 500 golf courses and the Oakmont Country Club has hosted many majors. Arnold Palmer is one of the famous golfers from Pennsylvania who won the Masters four times. He has the fifth most PGA wins and is considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. John McDermott, Jim Furyk, and Art Wall Jr. are some other famous Pennsylvanian golfers.
Soccer
Soccer wasn’t widely enjoyed until relatively recently despite its global appeal; over the past two years it has steadily gained in popularity, becoming one of Philadelphia’s favorite pastimes and leading professional team Philadelphia Union becoming part of Major League Soccer for the inaugural time ever in their inaugural year in League Championship Series (MLS). The team hasn’t had any major success but the stadiums at Subaru Park still fill up for games.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is popular in Philadelphia, and the state has an impressive number of ice rinks. The Philadelphia Flyers in their orange jerseys ignite the passion of fans. The New Jersey Devils compete in the National Hockey League’s Metropolitan Division in Eastern Conference. One of their greatest successes, they’ve captured two Stanley Cup victories as well as 16 division championships and 8 conference titles since joining.
