Predators Will Ask Crowd To Sing National Anthem Before Home Playoff Games Against Blackhawks
(CBS) In a change from recent form, the Nashville Predators will play the national anthem prior to their home playoff games against the Blackhawks, and they'll ask the fans to help with the tune, according to The Tennessean.
Due to Nashville's disdain of Chicago fans -- who often make the trek to the Music City in droves -- cheering during the national anthem, as is tradition for games at the United Center, instead of remaining quiet, the Predators played "God Bless America" before an October matchup between the teams at Bridgestone Arena.
Now, the Predators will again play the national anthem, but they'll have an artist ask the crowd to join in and sing, The Tennessean reported. The move has reasoning, as the Predators believe if everyone's singing, that means they won't be wildly cheering.
"It would almost be against God, country and apple pie to shout and cheer through the person next to you singing the anthem of the United States of America, wouldn't it?" Predators president Sean Henry told The Tennessean.
In an effort to keep Blackhawks fans out of Bridgestone Arena for the playoffs, the Predators allowed season-ticket holder to purchase extra playoff tickets before the general public had a chance to buy and also initially only sold playoff tickets locally, so that they had to be bought in person, The Tennessean reported.
Game 1 is Wednesday in Nashville. Here's the full schedule:
Game 1: Blackhawks at Predators, Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m., NBCSN, SN 360, TVA Sports
Game 2: Blackhawks at Predators, Friday, April 17 at 8:30 p.m., NBCSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports
Game 3: Predators at Blackhawks, Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m., NBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports
Game 4: Predators at Blackhawks, Tuesday, April 21 at 8:30 p.m., NBCSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports
*Game 5: Blackhawks at Predators, Thursday, April 23, time TBD
*Game 6: Predators at Blackhawks, Saturday, April 25, time TBD
*Game 7: Blackhawks at Predators, Monday, April 27, time TBD
* -- if necessary
