The NFL International Series kicks off again today. With the game being played in London, what do they sing pregame? The NFL is kicking off their latest edition of the International Series when the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons will square off at Wembley Stadium in London this morning. With the international affair taking place once again, fans from across the pond and all across the world will be able to come together and enjoy the great sport of American Football.
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.
Before the first London game kicked off, we saw both the Star Spangled Banner and God Save The King performed. Laura Wright performed God Save the King while the thousands at Wembley Stadium joined in. Wright, a popular singer in the United Kingdom, is a classical singer. For the United States, country singer Alyssa Bonagura performed. She is known not only as the daughter of singers Michael Bonagura and Kathie Baillie of Baillie & the Boys but also for hits such as “I Need A Man” and “Bullet?”
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”. 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.
ENND