STADIUM ANTHEMS

By Scotty Mincher

There’s nothing quite like listening to one of your favorite songs before getting ready for a big game. It’s like mainlining adrenaline and songs played before, during, and after games can sometimes be just as exciting as the game itself. because of this, I thought this week it would be fun to take a look at the best stadium anthems. after much pondering, I give you my top ten.

10.Blur “Song 2”– I loved video games as a youngster and was an avid gamer from up until the time I was about 18 years old. I have a sentimental connection to Blur and Song 2 because of the song being used as the title music for the EA Sports game FIFA: Road to World Cup 98. It was a terrific game and every time I’d hear that song it would give me extra juice to wanna score 100 goals with Italy, the USA, Germany, or Brazil and that’s why it’s in my top ten. Woo hoo!

9.The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army”– A true staple for sporting events everywhere, Seven Nation Army has also had a big impact on the soccer world. It first started to become popular at sporting events when the World Cup-winning Italian team adopted the song as the unofficial anthem for their championship run. When you’re at a game you can be sure that everyone with you in the crowd will be chanting along with it in no time, because it’s just very catchy, and that’s the reason it’s number 9 on my list.

8.Jack Norworth, Albert Von Tilzer “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”-Released in 1908,, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” has been playing in ballparks across the country for over a century now. Created by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer, the tune is a stand-by for seventh inning stretches everywhere. Because baseball is my favorite sport to watch with other fans, This song comes in at number 7 on my list. Being at a game in Cleveland and loving Progressive Fields version that goes, “It’s root, root, root for the Indians helps this song’s case as well!

7.AC/DC “Thunderstruck” -I’m not a huge AC/DC fan, but this song is straight fire when it’s played at a sporting event. It has an unforgettable opening and brings absolute electric energy to any setting, whether it’s played before a key at-bat or pivotal third down play. Lead singer Bryan Johnson’s strong growl capitulates this into the top 7 and its part of the reason that it’s a must listen to song for sports fans!

6.House of Pain “Jump Around”-It’s a tune produced by Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs. It became a huge hit in 1992 for its high-energy vibes, and demands for you to jump! Even though it’s become the signature song of Buckeye rival Wisconsin It’s still one of the best songs of the 90’s and any song that could get me to rock my wheelchair has to be high on my sports anthem list.

5.Eminem “Lose Yourself”-I’ve always been an Eminem fan, and I even think he’s a top 3 all-time rapper. Lose Yourself isn’t my favorite Eminem song, but I still consider it an inspirational sports gem and elite Marshal Mathers anthem.

4.Queen “We Will Rock You”-It may be the most recognizable song from it’s opening few seconds ever. It has been and always will be a classic. It’s just wanna those songs that as soon as you hear it you just wanna start stomping and clapping. It’s also been a song that the Browns play when they score touchdowns, which doesn’t happen that often, but always makes the song a delight to my ears!

3.Metallica “Enter Sandman”-Metallica’s Enter Sandman always brings me back to my high schools days as a Lowellville Rocket. It was the intro song for the Evil Empire that is the New York Yankees and their star hall of fame closer Mariano Rivera. But even with that being said, this song by an awesome band is too good to ignore, and will rock your socks off! Sleep with one eye open metalheads!

2.Phil Collins “In The Air Tonight”-My favorite pregame high school football song, In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins can make the most mellow person wanna dance and bang on some drums. In the air tonight is my favorite song by Phil Collins. Hell, if “iron” Mike Tyson jams to it, the song has to be a knockout!

1.Zombie Nation “Kernkraft 400”-People may be surprised that this is the gold medal winner of my list, taking the #1 spot, but this song just hooks you in! When the tempo begins to rise, so too do the chants and energy of any sports fan taking in a game. Not to mention the fact that if they used it in The Sopranos, one of the greatest shows in the history of television, It shouldn’t come as too much of a shock that I have it ranked as the best stadium anthem ever!

Until next time, Stay strong sports fans!