The NFL has continued to increase the rate at which we see games played outside of the United States. In 2023, there are three consecutive weekends with games being played in London, one in Wembley and the other two in Tottenham.
Before the game officially kicks off — just like in every football game — there are opening ceremonies that are sung to get the game started. Because the game is played in a different country, many may wonder do they play “The Star-Spangled Banner” or “God Save the King”? Let’s take a closer look to see how the anthems for both countries are handled.
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While in London, What Anthem Do They Sing Before an NFL Game?
The simple answer to this question is both. Both anthems for both countries are sung consecutively before the start of the game as a show of unity and respect for both countries. Before every NFL game, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is played to honor the country and as a form of tradition before we all enjoy the great game of football.
When the NFL takes their great game across the pond, they show respect to their gracious host by singing their national anthem as well, titled “God Save The King.”
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It’s different for most NFL fans who live in the United States, but it’s a beautiful moment that brings the two nations together to enjoy the great game of football.
As the television broadcast pans the crowd, you see a great mix of people singing their country’s song with pride, shoulder to shoulder, and you can feel the energy within the stadium as the anticipation for a great game grows.
Why Does the NFL Play the American National Anthem in London?
Interestingly enough, this question comes up every year when the NFL travels to another country but still sings their national anthem. The NFL has played the Star Spangled Banner at every single NFL game since 1945, when the league was only 25 years old.
According to Mark Clague of The Conversation, this is because of the NFL commissioner at the time Elmer Layden.
When Layden visited the White House in August 1945, no sitting president had ever attended a professional football game. World War II was coming to a close, and the commissioner presented President Harry Truman with a golden pass to any game on any day.
According to Clague, during the visit, Layden made a promise that would inspire headlines and maximize his publicity stunt. The wartime practice of playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at every game would continue forever.
That has continued to be the case even today, and an exception is not made when the league travels abroad. Instead, the NFL honors both countries by adding their national anthem as well. This is similar to when the NHL plays both the American and Canadian anthems at games where the two teams come from different countries.