5 Best Places to Watch the Olympic Games

With more than 500 athletes competing in this year's Games, our nation is practically guaranteed to come down with a serious case of Olympic Fever. The only known cure? Grab a fellow rabid fan (or a few) and find the best possible spot to watch all the action.

While you might think there's no better place then your couch—and the nearest TV set—you've got a far better shot of cheering Team USA onto gold when you do it out in public, with a few dozen (or a few thousand) of your closest friends.

These five US cities, which range from well-known sporting meccas to the breeding grounds of future Olympic champions, top our list of the hottest spots to check out the games. Whether you're already there—or planning to make a road trip—you'll soon find yourself in the middle of the frenzied masses cheering on our champs in the red, white and blue.