Birmingham: The college football viewing ‘Capital of the U.S.’
Birmingham Holds Title as College Football Viewing Capital
In a recent Nielsen report, Birmingham, Alabama, has been crowned the “football capital of the world,” leading the nation in college football viewership from July 31 to December 17 for the 2025 season. The Magic City surpassed all other U.S. cities, showcasing a dedicated fanbase for college football, particularly for teams like Alabama and Auburn.
Following Birmingham, Columbus and Dayton, both in Ohio, ranked second and third respectively, largely due to their support for Ohio State. The Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville market, home to Clemson fans, secured the fourth position. Other notable mentions in the top ten include markets supporting Southern teams, such as Tulsa and Oklahoma City for Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Atlanta for Georgia Tech, and Knoxville for Tennessee.
Historically, Birmingham has been a powerhouse in sports viewership, consistently outperforming other cities in terms of ESPN viewership for over a decade, according to a Bham Now article from 2021.
With its passionate fans and rich football culture, Birmingham’s place at the top of college football viewing reinforces its status as a pivotal hub for college sports, captivating audiences throughout the season. For those wanting to stay informed about local happenings, Bham Now offers various platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and a free newsletter.
Read the complete article here: https://bhamnow.com/2026/01/16/birmingham-the-college-football-viewing-capital-of-the-u-s/
