RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina is one of the top states in the country for sports fans, according to a new analysis by SmileHub.
The study ranked North Carolina eighth overall after comparing all 50 states across three categories: sports interest and success, sports careers and income, and access to sports. Researchers evaluated states using 20 metrics, including the number of professional and college sports teams, sports facilities, participation levels and employment opportunities in the sports industry.
North Carolina ranked particularly well for sports interest and success, placing sixth nationally in that category. The state also ranked eighth for sports careers and income and 15th for access to sports…