Music is very important in major US sporting events, and one of the most well-known examples would be the Super Bowl halftime routine. The Super Bowl would be so dreary without a soundtrack. Few things can compare with the explosiveness of a rock song, which gets a crowd going and prepares them for a big game.
Beyond the emotion these songs bring out, these anthems also serve as the foundation for great and memorable moments. In the form of timeless classics and dance-floor hits, these songs now grace stadiums and arenas across the globe, not just on Super Bowl.
From classic rockers like Rolling Stones and Journey to this century indie rock revivalist White Stripes, these songs transcend genres, mobilizing listeners and athletes throughout the game.
The Most Popular Sports Anthems
Dedicated sports fans, loyal supporters of teams, and players definitely have no better experience than attending a game or match in real-time. In these moments, they cheer at the top of their resounding voices, singing their pump-up song with others across huge sports arenas and stadiums.
Many of these anthems also address sports sub-themes like player injuries, fan culture and even betting. Data analyzed by MightyTips suggests that music is one of the ways players get to discover bookies and experience sports betting platforms.
Song tracks have been known to set fans into the mood for sports betting, a good example being “Easy Money“ by Billy Joel. With lyrics like “Take me to the action, take me to the track, Take me to a party if they’re bettin’ in the back, I’ve been working all my life, can’t afford to wait,” the song is one of such kinds that sends you right to the bookie.
And when fans visit MightyTips, they get to enjoy a broad range of options, from football bookmakers to free betting reviews.
That said, let’s check the most popular songs played at major sports events.
Rolling Stones – ‘Start Me Up’
This classic pregame song, the Stones’ classic, can typically be found before a tipoff at a basketball game or a kickoff at a football stadium. That first guitar chord gets every Dan out of their seat and ready to go.
Metallica – ‘Enter Sandman’
“Enter Sandman” by Metallica has been used as the entrance theme for the Virginia Tech Hokies football team’s home games at the Lane Stadium, as well as the start of the school’s basketball games at Cassel Coliseum.
Ramones – ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’
A song by the American punk rock band Ramones was released in 1976 as their debut single in the United States. The song’s “big dumb chant” (Hey! Ho! Let’s go!) has become a global rallying cry at sporting events.
Village People – ‘Y.M.C.A.’
“YMCA” is a song by the American Disco group Village People, written by Jacques Morality and released in October 1978 by Casablanca Records. It is played at many sporting events in the US and Europe, with crowds joining in on the dance by spelling out the four letters of the song’s title through arm movements.
Zombie Nation – ‘Kernkraft 400’
This is a song performed by German techno musician Zombie nation and the first single from the 1999 debut album, Leichenschmaus. It is commonly used as a sports chant at stadiums, especially in American Football, association football, baseball, basketball, and hockey.
Journey – ‘Don’t Stop Believin’
“Don’t Stop Believin” was released in October 1981 and has a peculiar trait in that its chorus does not arrive until the song is nearly finished. It’s a perfect song that gets people to get up and jump around each time it plays at a sporting event.
Eminem – ‘Lose Yourself’
A soundtrack to the 2002 film 8 Mile, “Lose Yourself,” has gained popularity in the sports world. For runners, the song’s always on tap for the start of the last mile when you just need to zone out and rap the words in your head.
Its lyrics show that for every athlete, success should be the only option; failure should never be an option.
12th Darude – ‘Sandstorm’
First released in October 1999, Darude’s “Sandstorm” is one of the most recognizable tracks years later. It is an official anthem at sporting events and a symbol of the late 90s rave culture.
Neil Diamond – ‘Sweet Caroline’
Sweet Caroline is a popular song at many sporting events, including baseball, football, and soccer. The song is known for its simple melody and upbeat lyrics, which make it easy for fans to sing along.
Steam – ‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’
This song by Band Steam is often played when a team is losing. The fans use the song to express disappointment or taunt the opposing team.
Survivor – ‘Eye of the Tiger’
Whenever you’re ready to get pumped up and motivated over a late-game deficit, “Eye of the Tiger” is one of those songs to turn to. This track from the Survivor group is mostly known for appearing in the Rocky III movie.
It is a perfect training montage, and its beat-piercing vocals get the heart racing and players ready to run through a wall. Its lyrics, “Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past, You must fight just to keep them alive….” inspire hard work and perseverance. It is truly a motivational powerhouse.
“Eyes of the Tiger” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks in 1982. A famous quote from the song “The eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight” shows the drive to win that this song exudes. It is a good song that cuts across all sports, from pre-game warmups to boxing matches. In fact, it was a montage song for boxer Rocky as he gets ready for his next big fight.
Unlimited – ‘Get Ready For This’
This is a song recorded by Belgian and Dutch Music Group, 2 Unlimited. It was released in 1991 as the lead single from their debut album, Get Ready. This song is often played at sporting events worldwide.
AC/DC – ‘Thunderstruck’
“Thunderstruck” is a song released by Australian hard rock band AC/DC as the lead single from their twelfth studio album, Razors Edge, in 1990. The song lights up a crowd, and its opening guitar riff, instantly recognizable, makes it a natural choice for major sporting events.
Its relentless energy is sure to pump up both fans and players alike and make everybody dance.
Alan Parsons Project – ‘Sirius’
This Parsons’ Project jam was how Jordan and his teammates found their way into the court in introductions.
Blur – ‘Song 2’
This is one of the more intense songs that found its way into sports, but it definitely gets fans going and makes them want to dance. Whenever there’s a time out, and the arena needs something to play for fans to get rowdy and on their feet, this song usually finds its way through the speakers.
House of Pain – ‘Jump Around’
“Jump Around” is a song by the American Hip Hop group House of Pain. It was released in May 1992 and played around home football games at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as students “jump around” to the song between the third and fourth quarters. The song has stirred up fans and players and has eventually become a tradition.
Guns N’ Roses – ‘Welcome to the Jungle’
Released in 1987, this song became popular in Ohio, and the Cincinnati Bengals have found success by making the playoffs in the past two seasons. It’s a way for fans to remind their opponents that they are now in the form of a “Jungle” or a danger zone, so they should tread carefully.
The White Stripes – ‘Seven Nation Army’
“Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes was released in 2003. The song has an iconic intro and a familiar guitar riff, which doubles as a vocal chant. The “woo-hoo” chant in unison sets the perfect moment for a pump-up song.
This fun song has become a global one that people love, and its bassline is often chanted by crowds even without the lyrics. The simplicity and infectious rhythm of “Seven Nation Army” make it perfect for rallying fans.
Queen – ‘We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions’
A list of rock hits at sporting events would be incomplete without this go-to iconic anthem. “We Will Rock You” is a promise that one group is about to show the other its dominance on the field or playing ground.
The simple stomp-stomp-clap beat also makes it a perfect way to unite the fans in chants and cheers. The song was released in 1977 and is part of the Double-A single “We Are the Champions.” The song has an interactive rhythm, and its lyrics are the favorite of every stadium. The follow-up, “We are the Champions,” declares victory and rubs it in the opponent’s faces that they’re going to lose.
Rock anthems are embedded in our sport culture and helped define our sporting experience. Whether you join in or shake your hips to the music, these songs will excite any sports fan no matter where they are deployed. They’re hits that aren’t just songs, but the keys to victory.
