What makes a real city? For some it is the nightlife. For others, it’s all about public infrastructure and amenities. But, arguably for much of America, the answer is major league sports. Seattle is considered a great city by many because of its sports teams and their athletes’ heroic achievements, inspiring a sense of collective identity and civic pride.
Sports gives us something to root for, something to nerd out about outside of the daily grind of work — something to invest our hopes and dreams on. It gives us social solidarity and community. ...