Over at the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Stars have many traditions. In particular regarding music. From playing Puck Off by Pantera, and Metallica to singing along to Garth Brooks. There’s one that the team, and its fans are most famous and infamous for.
It’s an expectation
Amongst fans and non fans alike, shouting twice during the USA’ national anthem comes with the territory. Everybody is going to expect, or even ask Stars fans if they’re going to shout during the anthem. It’s one of the most recognizable traditions amongst sports fans. People in the stands expect to hear, and brace for it from a few fans in the arena when Dallas is the road team. It’s loud, and proud when the Stars are hosting a game at the American Airlines Center.
How it started
Anybody can figure out why Stars fans shout STARS, and STAR During the singing of the national anthem. Stars fans also have been known to do their chant at road games, and sporting events that aren’t even hockey. From a few Stars fans at an Edmonton Oilers game to Texas Longhorns college football games, the tradition is everywhere.
However, before the Stars relocated to Dallas from Minnesota as the Minnesota North Stars, there was a hockey team based in Dallas that shouted during the anthem. That team was a minor league team from the old CHL (or the central hockey league), the Dallas Freeze.
When the national anthem played, fans at a freeze home game would shout FREEZE when the lyrics ‘home of the free’ were being sung.
The “controversy”
Most people who shout or hear the chants don’t have an issue with the tradition. However, there are those that somehow think that chanting for the team is disrespectful to those who have served the country. It’s unfortunate that some people cannot see the forest through the trees.
Photo credit: Tony Gutierrez/AP
A former serviceman chimed in on the debate. Stating there is nothing offensive or controversial about yelling two words during the anthem. Also worth pointing out that fans that shout STARS, and STAR are also standing.
Featured photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports