Charlottesville Ranks 34th Best City for College Basketball Fans

WalletHub survey finds Charlottesville a top destination for college basketball enthusiasts

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In a survey conducted by credit and finance protection company WalletHub, Charlottesville, Virginia was ranked the 34th best city for college basketball fans in the United States. The ranking considers factors such as the number of teams per city, winning percentages, stadium capacity, and social media engagement.

Why it matters

Charlottesville's high ranking as a top destination for college basketball fans highlights the city's passion for the sport, particularly with the success of the University of Virginia's basketball team. This recognition can boost tourism and economic activity in the city during the highly anticipated March Madness tournament.

The details

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo noted that Charlottesville's ranking of 34th overall, and 23rd among small cities, is bolstered by the University of Virginia's national championship in 2019 and the team's long history of success dating back to the 1970s. The survey also takes into account factors like the number of teams per city, winning percentages, stadium capacity, and social media engagement.

  • The WalletHub survey was conducted in preparation for the 2026 March Madness tournament.

The players

WalletHub

A credit and finance protection company that conducted the survey ranking the best cities for college basketball fans.

Chip Lupo

A WalletHub analyst who provided commentary on the survey results.

University of Virginia

The college basketball team in Charlottesville that has contributed to the city's high ranking as a top destination for fans, including their 2019 national championship.

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What they’re saying

“College basketball fans across the U.S. are gearing up for the most exciting time of year – March Madness. College basketball is a big deal in the U.S., and depending on where you live, it may have even more appeal than the professional level.”

— WalletHub (WalletHub)

“The scoring considers range from the number of teams per city and the winning percentage of each to stadium capacity and social-media engagement.”

— Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst (Cville Right Now)

“You do have that national championship back in 2019 which more than balances out that terrible, terrible 1-16 loss the year before to UMBC, so you do have some success there.”

— Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst (Cville Right Now)

What’s next

As March Madness approaches, Charlottesville is expected to see an influx of college basketball fans eager to experience the city's vibrant basketball culture and cheer on the University of Virginia Cavaliers.

The takeaway

Charlottesville's ranking as the 34th best city for college basketball fans, and 23rd among small cities, underscores the city's deep-rooted passion for the sport and the success of the University of Virginia's basketball program. This recognition can boost tourism and economic activity in Charlottesville during the highly anticipated March Madness tournament.