We're #2! San Diego One of Worst Cities to Be a Sports Fan

It's probably no surprise to any longtime San Diego sports fan, disappointment just seems to be part of our collective DNA. You might say it's part of our expectations when it comes to professional sports - notwithstanding the recent success of the San Diego Chargers. But even though we are a forgiving bunch (not sure what that says about ourselves), but does that mean we have to empty our wallets for the privilege of watching mediocrity?

Well, Forbes magazine doesn't think so. In a recent article written by Tom Van Riper, San Diego ranked second, behind Miami, as one of the worst cities to be a sports fan. How did they come about this ranking? In figuring the toughest cities in which to be sports fans over the past year, Forbes compared the latest median household income figures from the Census Bureau to the Fan Cost Index for each team compiled by Team Marketing. Those metros with the lowest ratios of income to ticket cost were deemed most expensive for fans. Those ratios were then compared to team performance, with regular season won-lost records and playoff outcomes combined for all teams in a given city.

Well, we all know how expensive it is to live in San Diego. We also know that salaries here are historically lower than in other major cities. Ticket prices are expensive (have you been to a Chargers game lately?). And we know how many championships our sports teams have won recently (uh, none). For good measure, we've lost two (two!) NBA franchises (the Rockets and the Clippers). So, when you calculate it all, San Diego comes up at Number 2, behind Miami and ahead of Indianapolis. Thank god for the Dolphins, Heat and Marlins.

How did San Diego stack up? Here's the Forbes lowdown:

Teams: Chargers (NFL); Padres (MLB)

Median Household Income/Fan Cost Index: $47,067 / $300.90 (20th)

Teams' combined winning percentage: .425 (26th)

Playoff Appearances: 1

Championships: 0

The Chargers are one of only nine NFL teams with a fan cost index that exceeds $400.

Well, as we always say, at least we have the sun and beaches. Read the entire Forbes article here.