Riverside Named as #2 Most-Likely Location For NFL Expansion

Critics see adding third team to the Los Angeles market unlikely.

Riverside Named as #2 Most-Likely Location For NFL Expansion
An AI-generated illustration of an NFL stadium as seen from atop Mt. Rubidoux, blending fantasy with Riverside’s iconic landscape. (Bob Sirotnik)

The Super Bowl may be over, but for NFL fans, the conversation never truly stops. A report on AOL.com citing a Windfall study has given local football fans something to talk about at the water cooler until the NFL Draft comes around in April. The study names Riverside as the second most promising metro area for potential NFL expansion, sandwiched between Austin and Orlando.

The prospect of a Riverside NFL franchise is awesome to think about. Imagine the roar of the crowd in a stadium off Highway 215, the tailgating traditions, and the local rivalries that would ignite. Riverside, currently the largest metro area without a first-division pro sports team, presents a compelling case. The biggest obstacle is its proximity to Los Angeles, which is already home to two NFL teams, the Rams and the Chargers. Could Riverside etch out enough of a fan base in an already saturated media market?

Despite the challenges, the dream of a Riverside NFL team persists. For fans in the Inland Empire, the idea of having their own team to rally behind is incredibly appealing. The potential economic benefits for the region, the boost to local businesses, and the sense of community pride are all powerful motivators. While the road to NFL expansion is long and complex, Riverside's position on the Windfall report keeps the conversation alive and the hope burning bright for football fans in the region.

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