How Music is Important to Sports

Music and sports have a long history together

Music is so well integrated into sports events that fans probably don’t even realize it anymore. It has become just one of the many rituals and traditions that sports teams and athletes use all the time.

Whether it is the songs sung by the fans themselves, as with soccer crowds around the world, or the music blared out at the NBA playoffs, it is a constant that has become a massive part of the experience. But just how important is music to sports – the fans, the players, and the teams? Read on to find out more.

History of Music and Sports

The close relationship between music and sports goes back centuries. The ancient Greeks used music in a prominent role as part of their sporting events. The ancient Olympics were full of music – and that tradition was reimagined when the modern version of the games was revived at the end of the 19th century.

Soccer crowds are well known for singing and chanting and the practice is seen as part of the best atmospheres in the biggest leagues. Rugby crowds in Wales are also well known for singing hymns as part of the match day experience. As technology has progressed, recorded music and live music have been incorporated to great effect.

Tradition and Ritual

There is also a history of music being played at certain venues – or for particular teams. Sports organizations have been able to use this to make it part of the match day ritual. The supporters recognize the queues and act accordingly. It can all be used to set a sense of occasion, whatever the actual situation.

The seventh inning stretch is one of the most famous in American sports, with Take Me Out to the Ball Game sung as a collective experience by all fans, no matter who they are supporting. Newer teams have now realized that using music is a great way to create traditions of their own.

Musical Differences in Sports

Baseball’s collective seventh inning stretch song may be one of the most well known examples in American sports, but there are examples of music playing an important role in just about every sport these days. Modern, popular songs are played in between sets at beach volleyball, while a live organ player has long been used at NBA games to liven up the crowd.

Walk on music is also very common. In boxing, it will be played as the fighters walk into the ring – but many sports teams will have their own songs played as part of the tradition and ritual we mentioned before.

Athletes may use music when training

The Benefit of Music to Athletes

When it comes to the athletes themselves, it is true that they use music as a performance-enhancing tool. Whether it is the warm-up playlist, music to get pumped up to before kick off, or even the music played at events, all have shown to improve the way athletes perform.

Depending on the sport, player, or situation, coaches have tapped into the way music can help their athletes. It can be used to enhance the mood that the individual athlete is looking to capture. It could be upbeat music for intense training sessions or calmer music for recovery after games.

Music and Sports: An Ongoing Relationship

Although music and sports would seem to come from different areas of the human experience, there has long been a close relationship between the two. There are so many different ways that they entwine that is very likely that they will continue to do so for a long time to come.