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Knoxville is moving up in the world of "Best Sports Cities" in America.

The Sporting News has compiled the list since 1993 and Knoxville climbed to No. 29 in 2008 from No. 36 in 2007.

"Knoxville means the Vols, but you’ve got a couple of things going on: the women’s basketball team was strong as ever, but Bruce Pearl has things rocking on the men’s side, too," Sporting News Chief of Correspondents Bob Hille said in a release. "Pair those two programs with the football team, which always has its fans, and you’ve got a great sports city."

No. 1 on the list was Boston, not much of a surprise after the recent run of success seen with the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics. It was the fourth time since 2002 Boston has topped the list.

Detroit, Dallas, New York and Philadelphia rounded out the top five on the list of 400 cities.

"When the teams in your city are doing well, you feel good about where you live, not just as a sports fan but as a citizen," Hille said. "That’s what we try to tap into with this list, especially at the top of it.

"We want to celebrate what’s unique about so many great sports cities in the U.S. and Canada."

Nashville came in at No. 14, Atlanta No. 19, Cincinnati No. 28, Memphis No. 56, Murfreesboro No. 123, Clarksville No. 162, Chattanooga No. 166, Johnson City No. 178, Martin No. 219, Cookeville No. 233, Bristol No. 273, Jackson No. 318, Kodak No. 330, Elizabethton No. 380 and Kingsport No. 390.

For a full list go to Sportingnews.com.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.