why do we sing the national anthem before sporting events?

Question

We don't sing the national anthem in any other place, so why do we do it before every sporting event? I'm not against it, just wondering

Answer 1

It is a tradition that most countries have. In at least one African country Theirs is sung before movies and other public events.

Answer 2

This started as something of a patriot reaction in World War II. It just sort of caught on at baseball games, and filtered through the culture. It's like singing God Bless America in the seventh inning stretch in New York, a reaction to the 9/11 attack.

One team once tried to skip the anthem for a while, and discovered that people stood up and waited for it anyway.

I'm with you -- not against the concept, but wouldn't miss it if it were gone.

Answer 3

in 1905 Wales were host to the visiting New Zealand Rugby team, and before every game they performed the Haka. In response the Welsh crowd sang along with the chosen singer to sing "Hen Wlad Fy'n Nhadau" as a response to the Haka, before kick-off. Which therefore became the first National anthem to be sung before a sporting event ever!

Answer 4

In a spate of "patriotism" during a war, it was instituted to remind everyone that there was a war going on. It has become tradition, kind of a call to pay attention because the game is about to start.