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Sports in Spokane, Washington

An Indians game at Avista Stadium

Spokane, Washington has a rich sporting culture and the area residents are active in many spectator and participant sports. Although Spokane lacks any major, nationally recognized professional sports team, Spokane has a sports friendly atmosphere, and was recognized and rated #99 in the Sporting News 2006 "99 Best Sporting Cities" list.[1] In 2009, Sports Business Journal rated Spokane as the fifth best minor league sports market in America out of 239 markets.[2]

Spectators may attend sporting events around the Spokane area, including professional and collegiate sporting events. Participants enjoy activities from running the annual Lilac Bloomsday Run and playing in the annual Hoopfest. Spokane is associated as being home to some sports teams that have gained recognition in their respective arenas. Spokane's notable sports teams include the Spokane Chiefs (Western Hockey League), the Spokane Indians (Northwest League) who play their home games in nearby Spokane Valley, and the Spokane Shadow (Evergreen Premier League).[3]

  1. ^ "Spokane Bragging Rights". Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 2008-12-14.
  2. ^ "Rochester picked as top 10 sports market". Buffalo Business First. 2009-08-24. Retrieved 2011-01-31.
  3. ^ "Recreation & Sports". Experience Spokane. Retrieved 2009-01-25.