How the marching band became synonymous with college sports

By Mitch Rice

While college sports in America are big in their own right, the marching bands that accompany the events that take place have become synonymous with the spectacles.

The events are among some of the biggest in America, as sports fans are extremely passionate about the games that are played at that level. Whether it be college football, basketball, or even baseball, there are many who will go out of their way to support a college team as much as they would support a professional team.

Events like the Rose Bowl and March Madness are known worldwide because of the prestige that they have attached to them, which has attracted viewers from around the globe. Some have even looked to engage in sport betting activities based on these events, simply because of how big they have become.

Why have marching bands become synonymous with college sports?

While sporting fixtures are often the main attraction, marching bands have helped to increase their popularity.

Social media has perhaps helped to provide exposure to a more international market and audience, as video clips have gone viral for performances that have taken place on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok. Examples have included shows that have been choreographed to look like a story is being told from above.

Entertainment is a massive part of the sports culture in the US, with the Super Bowl perhaps the biggest example of this. The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most watched shows each year, with many looking forward to whoever might be headlining that year’s show. The college game might not be as big internationally, but the marching bands help to keep them entertained. As has been the case, there’s every chance that these performances can go as viral as one from an artist with an established reputation.

A respect for marching bands

Unlike some other forms of game entertainment, marching bands appear to have a lot of respect from fans who witness their performances, which is why they have become an integral part of the college sports scene.

Some have argued that it should be a sport in itself because of the intensity that can be experienced. The routines need a lot of discipline and organization, endurance because of how intense marches can be, as well as having technical skills and hand-eye coordination because they must play a musical instrument at the same time as walking. For many, there are some who can’t walk and talk on a mobile, which perhaps helps to highlight the difficulty of marching and playing an instrument, as well as knowing where to go.

Should marching bands remain in college sports?

For many, marching bands can be one of the best forms of entertainment that can be enjoyed during a half-time event, and they should remain part of the college sports scene.

Many others immediately associate college football with marching bands and vice versa, showing just how synonymous they have become and why they help to build the atmosphere further.

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