Top 10 U.S. Cities We’re Not In (Yet)

And Why Spring 2026 Is the Perfect Time to Launch a Hoop Trailer

Hoop Trailer has expanded rapidly across the U.S. and internationally, locking in major metros, fast-growing regions, and high-demand entertainment markets. Even with that momentum, there are still standout cities that remain completely open — cities with strong youth sports culture, community events, corporate demand, and very little direct competition.

Below are the top 10 cities we are NOT currently operating in — and why Spring 2026 is an ideal time to launch a Hoop Trailer in each one.

1. Pittsburgh, PA

One of the strongest sports cities in America — and still wide open.

Why it works:

  • Deep youth and school sports culture

  • Strong corporate presence in healthcare, education, and manufacturing

  • High volume of community festivals and school fundraisers

  • Loyal, community-driven customer base

Pittsburgh rewards first movers. A premium, mobile sports attraction stands out fast.

Spring 2026 advantage:
School carnivals, spring festivals, and corporate outings stack quickly.

2. Madison, WI

Madison consistently outperforms cities its size.

Why it works:

  • University of Wisconsin events and alumni functions

  • Family-focused suburbs with strong rec programs

  • Regular city festivals and outdoor events

  • Basketball is deeply ingrained in the culture

This is a balanced market with weekday and weekend demand.

Spring 2026 advantage:
Campus events, graduations, and city festivals all collide in spring.

3. Des Moines, IA

A high-ROI, low-competition market that checks every box.

Why it works:

  • Growing metro with limited premium entertainment options

  • Strong school, church, and nonprofit event culture

  • Corporate events driven by insurance and finance

  • Easy logistics and low operating costs

Markets like this often book faster than major metros.

Spring 2026 advantage:
Spring marks the return of nonstop outdoor community events.

4. Birmingham, AL

One of the best Southern markets still available.

Why it works:

  • Strong community and church event culture

  • Schools and cities host frequent festivals and fundraisers

  • Affordable operating environment

  • High demand for family-friendly attractions

Relationship-driven markets like Birmingham generate repeat bookings.

Spring 2026 advantage:
Outdoor event season starts early and runs long.

5. Grand Rapids, MI

A Midwest event hub hiding in plain sight.

Why it works:

  • Dense population with family-oriented neighborhoods

  • Corporate events, breweries, and festivals year-round

  • Active parks and recreation departments

  • Very little direct competition

This market supports consistent weekend bookings.

Spring 2026 advantage:
Festival season launches strong and stays busy into summer.

6. Fort Collins, CO

College energy meets family affluence.

Why it works:

  • Colorado State University events and student programming

  • Active lifestyle and sports-focused community

  • Youth leagues and school events year-round

  • Corporate meetups and outdoor brand activations

This city values interactive, premium experiences.

Spring 2026 advantage:
Spring weather unlocks heavy outdoor event demand.

7. Albany, NY

A regional hub with real staying power.

Why it works:

  • Government, corporate, and university events

  • Strong suburban family base

  • Schools and municipalities that book annually

  • Underserved premium entertainment market

Being first here creates long-term dominance.

Spring 2026 advantage:
Spring is peak season for school and city programming.

8. Columbia, MO

A textbook Hoop Trailer market.

Why it works:

  • University of Missouri events

  • Strong basketball and sports culture

  • Community festivals and fundraisers

  • Central location for regional bookings

Smaller college towns often outperform expectations.

Spring 2026 advantage:
Graduations, spring sports, and festivals stack quickly.

9. Spokane, WA

Fast-growing and still underserved.

Why it works:

  • Expanding population with strong family demographics

  • Youth sports and school events in high demand

  • City festivals and regional events

  • Limited premium mobile entertainment options

First movers win big in markets like Spokane.

Spring 2026 advantage:
Outdoor events return in force after winter.

10. Chattanooga, TN

A versatile market with multiple revenue lanes.

Why it works:

  • Tourism-driven festivals and city events

  • Growing family population

  • Corporate retreats and brand activations

  • Strong community engagement

This market supports diverse booking types year-round.

Spring 2026 advantage:
Spring tourism and outdoor event season take off together.

Why Spring 2026 Is the Sweet Spot

Spring is when Hoop Trailer demand accelerates across every category:

  • School carnivals

  • Graduation parties

  • Corporate off-sites

  • Festivals and fairs

  • Youth sports events

  • Church and community gatherings

Launching ahead of Spring 2026 means:

  • You’re operating before peak demand

  • You secure exclusive territory early

  • You build momentum fast

  • You cash-flow sooner instead of playing catch-up

Final Thought

Every city on this list will eventually be taken.

The most successful operators don’t wait for perfect timing — they secure strong territory early and grow alongside the brand as Hoop Trailer continues to expand nationwide.

If your city made this list, it’s not by accident.

It’s opportunity.

Previous
Previous

Planning Your Hoop Trailer Year: Setting Up for a Successful 2026

Next
Next

The Top Family-Friendly Party Ideas for 2026 (Featuring Mobile Arcade Basketball)