As I recall, in the 50’s and 60’s there were marching bands at half-time for NY Giants games. In fact, when local TV blackouts were in effect, we went to a big hotel in southern CT, far enough from NYC where it wasn’t blacked out, to see the Giants-Packers championship in 1962. There was a marching band playing in the courtyard at halftime. NY Mets announcer Bob Murphy was there as emcee.
Check it out – The first halftime show performed by a marching band at a football game was the University of Illinois Marching Illini in 1907, the game was against the University of Chicago………….. The director was Albert A Harding. First marching band to use Sousaphones. AND now you know the rest of the story!
That year the U of I football team went on to have a 3-2 record finishing 3rd in the conference (one source said 4th but overall record shows 3rd). University of Chicago beat the Fighting Illini football team that day and finished first in the conference. So the band then as now makes a lot of noise but doesn’t really ‘win’ games for you. :)
Back in the 50’s and thru to the 70’s (I think), NFL games had college/high school bands give a half-time show. Then those went away (probably due to TV wanting more commercial time) and half-time was reduced to about 12 minutes like we have today.
Years ago, pro teams used to invite marching bands to play during halftime and would show the band at halftime. My high school band marched at a Cowboy / Bears game back in 1973 and it was a thrill to do so. Unfortunately halftime is now used to review stats and plays while people at home watching the game go get more food / drink.
i_am_the_jam over 4 years ago
I never got the point of cheerleaders for either group. I never felt “led” to do any cheering by them.
jpkansas78 over 4 years ago
The Baltimore Colts had one back in the day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVb5rj3LpQE
retrocool over 4 years ago
The Redskins have one.
Roy Lamberton over 4 years ago
so did the Ravens -
howardlester over 4 years ago
As I recall, in the 50’s and 60’s there were marching bands at half-time for NY Giants games. In fact, when local TV blackouts were in effect, we went to a big hotel in southern CT, far enough from NYC where it wasn’t blacked out, to see the Giants-Packers championship in 1962. There was a marching band playing in the courtyard at halftime. NY Mets announcer Bob Murphy was there as emcee.
Plods with ...™ over 4 years ago
Greedy pro owners? Bands cost butt loads of $$. Colleges use their music departments, where the students are paying for the privilege
Saddenedby Premium Member over 4 years ago
Check it out – The first halftime show performed by a marching band at a football game was the University of Illinois Marching Illini in 1907, the game was against the University of Chicago………….. The director was Albert A Harding. First marching band to use Sousaphones. AND now you know the rest of the story!
That year the U of I football team went on to have a 3-2 record finishing 3rd in the conference (one source said 4th but overall record shows 3rd). University of Chicago beat the Fighting Illini football team that day and finished first in the conference. So the band then as now makes a lot of noise but doesn’t really ‘win’ games for you. :)
cuzinron47 over 4 years ago
Because they don’t dot the i.
John Kruse over 4 years ago
Back in the 50’s and thru to the 70’s (I think), NFL games had college/high school bands give a half-time show. Then those went away (probably due to TV wanting more commercial time) and half-time was reduced to about 12 minutes like we have today.
AwelCruiz over 4 years ago
College teams can afford marching bands because they don’t pay their players.
fix-n-fly over 4 years ago
Years ago, pro teams used to invite marching bands to play during halftime and would show the band at halftime. My high school band marched at a Cowboy / Bears game back in 1973 and it was a thrill to do so. Unfortunately halftime is now used to review stats and plays while people at home watching the game go get more food / drink.
BlueIris Premium Member over 4 years ago
I wish the TV would SHOW the marching bands! I haven’t seen one in a while.