It is ridiculous that a person or group would provide the service of singing the National Anthem and you would require them to pay for tickets. The last I checked, there were plenty of empty seats. Even in a pinch, I am pretty sure the University has a Music Department that might just have a person or two that could sing it.
Great ad in the ABJ today for the Toledo game. Does anybody over there read their own newspaper? After Willie Alvarez, last weekend's "Central Michigan" headline score and today maybe we should start an ABJ/media snafu thread? Or maybe it will be too full all the time.
I do believe the game timeline change of the anthem being played prior to the players returning to the court is a television issue. Its been that way in the past. As far as the delivery of the anthem itself...it DRIVES ME NUTS that they play a recording of the band during breaks and/or other times the pep band is unavailable. This is a large area, there's talent out there. UA has a music department. You're telling me we can't get 15-ish local individuals/groups to sing? Earlier this year there was a church choir that put together one of the most beautiful renditions I've ever heard. Both my wife and I remarked how it brought a tear to our eye. Actually got me pumped for the game (but that's just me). Hold open tryouts in the early fall. Assign games. Let the band stick to what they're good at: fight song and other interludes. Most importantly: THROW THE CD AWAY!