Music and Sports: How did the arts become so ingrained in the world of athletics?

JEN FIELD/ GATG

No matter what event you are watching or attending, music has made its way into the realm of sports. Whether it's a walk up song in baseball, a goal song in hockey, or music playing throughout the stadium or arena throughout the game, music adds to the experience of the game. 

Though it may seem odd that the two go hand in hand, music brings people together in similar ways that sports do. This past hockey season “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan became the celebration song for the Edmonton Oilers, but more than that the song's energy permeated the sports world. 

Though the song's lyrics and meaning do not necessarily align with much of the sports world, the energy and vibes seemed to outweigh that. 

But how did music become so ingrained into the world of sports? Well if we take a look at baseball there used to be an organ player at the game to play the national anthem, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and the classic “Charge”. 

This remained the ‘norm’ until 1970 when Nancy Faust joined the MLB with the Chicago White Sox. She brought music into the game in a new and revolutionary way, through listening to play-by-plays on a radio and playing songs that were relatable to the moment of play. Through her timing of play she began to create prototype walkup songs for those on the field. Basing her song choice off the players and what she knew of them (Clair 2019).

Nowadays most fans of baseball will know their favourite player's walkup song. If you follow the Toronto Blue Jays this season you might know that Tyler Heineman walks up to “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks. This may not seem like a conventional song to have, but for many it was a topic of conversation. 

These songs not only create conversation, but sometimes lead to fans reminiscing about what the song means to them. Or it can hype up the crowd, especially before a big moment of play.

When watching interviews some players get asked to rate their teammates walkup songs, which is always a hilarious way to show the team relationship. 

Walkup songs have also trickled down into the minor leagues and little leagues. Some little league teams have given moms a night where they pick their sons' walkup songs. Eliciting hilarious reactions from the fans and players alike. 

In sports like hockey music is a way to pump up the fans before the game starts, between plays, after a goal, and after games. The Abbotsford Canucks, the Vancouver Canucks affiliate team, have a goal song that has since become associated with them. “I Like It” by Alesso and Nate Smith is known throughout the AHL world as their song, and after their historic season it makes sense why. 

In the NHL as stated earlier the song “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan has become synonymous with the Edmonton Oilers. However, the song itself has bled into the mainstream sports world, being played at many professional sporting events. 

In the NFL world, “Thunderstruck” by ACDC is associated with the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders and their intense and captivating dance routine. This song brought the world of cheerleading to the forefront. 

The Super Bowl half-time show also draws numbers, again bringing together sports and music fans alike. This past 2025 season Kendrick Lamar’s half-time show was not only powerful but thought provoking and added a layer to the game. Especially since the Philadelphia Eagles were dominating the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Many sports such as hockey and baseball also have songs that truly belong to the sport, such as “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and “The Hockey Song”. These songs are sung with passion by sports fans at events when they come on. If you go to a game you can almost expect to sing one of these songs at least once. 

The Vancouver Canadians baseball team, an affiliate team for the Toronto Blue Jays, uses the “Chicken Dance” as a way to get fans on their feet at the top of the seventh inning. It creates not only a moment of notoriety for the team, but also bonds fans alike as they sing and dance along. 

These fun moments create memories of the game, and bring fans back for future games. Though they come for the sport, the music can have a lasting impact on the overall atmosphere in the stadiums and arenas. 

Throughout most sporting events music is only played between the plays, or when the game is not going on. However, in lacrosse music is a constant throughout the game. It adds a layer to the game watching experience. 

Lacrosse is a fast paced game, with constant movement and high intensity plays. The music playing from a fans perspective adds to those moments, becoming a soundtrack, much like in the movies. 

Music is associated with many aspects of the sports world connecting players, and fans together. But more than that music is a way for athletes to escape before the games. Many have a playlist or a go to song they listen to in order to lock in and focus themselves. 

For some it might be calming classical music, for others its upbeat rap or EDM music. Whatever these players choose to listen to, for them this music helps their game. 

So whether you are an athlete who listens to music to lock in before a game, or a fan who thrives on the energy that music creates. Sports and music go hand in hand.