National Anthems in Sports

[Stickman]

I do find it weird how before every sporting event they sing the national anthems but I'm pretty indifferent to it. My question is, is this just a North American thing or do they sing anthems world wide? Like is there an anthem before every cricket match in India or before Aussie Rules Football? Just curious what other countries do for anthems.

[Team Sheep]

National anthems are only sung for international games in the rest of the world. Having them before every single sporting event is a North American thing as far as I know.

[Mike the Metal Ed]

National anthems are only sung for international games in the rest of the world. Having them before every single sporting event is a North American thing as far as I know.

And cup finals.

[VSG]

As far as cricket goes, I haven't heard the anthems go before a match unless it was in an international tournament and I am not talking about a bilateral series either.

[OssMan]

Must have been dreadful to be at an American game right after they killed Bin Laden when they did one of those stupid "tribute to the troops" where they give a soldier and his family free tickets and show them on the scoreboard during a timeout. I imagine it was at least a five minute ovation.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, because that would have been SOOOOOO awful.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Must have been dreadful to be at an American game right after they killed Bin Laden when they did one of those stupid "tribute to the troops" where they give a soldier and his family free tickets and show them on the scoreboard during a timeout. I imagine it was at least a five minute ovation.

Not sure about in hockey and basketball but MLB usually holds it Military Appreciation Night every May 2nd and it just happened to coincide with Bin Laden getting killed the day before.

[KleptoKlown]

National anthems are outdated, especially in the NHL.

Russians, Swedes, Fins, Slovaks, Canadians, Americans...and others.

Then of course it seems like every years you hear about fans booing the opposing countries anthems.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

It doesn't matter as much anymore because Robert Goulet is dead. That guy could really sing Oh Canada/Star Spangled Banner better than anybody else.

RIP Robert Goulet :(

[CSL]

love the anthems, especially the 'good' ones

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:'(

[El Capitano Gatisto]

France, Scotland and Italy have great anthems also. The English national anthem is a dirge.

The best anthems before a game ever was Ireland vs. England in the 6 Nations back in 2007 at Croke Park. The build up to it was intense, there was debate for a good couple of years before that championship because of the idea of the English rugby team taking the field and God Save the Queen being played at Croke Park was sacrilegious to a lot of people for many historical reasons. Could have gone very wrong, but the English anthem was observed impeccably and the Soldier's Song was belted out. Big Johnny Hayes started crying, the big bald fruit, but I remember it being a massively spine-tingling, hair-raising, lump in the throat occasion.

Even better, Ireland went out and give them a total fucking hiding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ6-bYixpYE

[RoXer]

Don't mind the national anthem before the game but God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch is overkill.

[Team Sheep]

I do love all the 6 Nations anthems except God Save the Queen because it's boring as shit. Not just saying that to be controversial, it really is compared to the rest. Just my opinion.

[Team Sheep]

Got a real soft spot for the South African anthem after going to their high schools and hearing all the kids sing it so passionately. New Zealand's is great also.

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[JimmyMess]

I always thought it was reversed in international. They play it for whichever team wins?

[Sean]

Must have been dreadful to be at an American game right after they killed Bin Laden when they did one of those stupid "tribute to the troops" where they give a soldier and his family free tickets and show them on the scoreboard during a timeout. I imagine it was at least a five minute ovation.They do it at every Bruins game. Regardless of your opinions on the politics I think the soldiers deserve a few minutes of gratitude at the very least and I'm more than happy to spend a few minutes showing my appreciation for their sacrifices.

...

I love the Canadian national anthem far more than the US national anthem. It's probably my favorite, makes me proud to be 1/4 Canadian. Except when toronto or montreal are in town.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO1fphEbAGo

Fucking beautiful that.