The National Anthem is performed prior to the start of most sports contests.  The guidelines and announcements in this post can help you regardless of the country in which you’re announcing.  The keys to remember are directing fans attention to the performer or flag, reminding fans to remain at attention until the colors have been retired should you have a color or honor guard, and to not make more out of the National Anthem than need be.

The keys to remember are directing attention to the flag or the performer.  If neither, choose a central location for all to direct their attention.

You will notice that none of the announcements include wording about respect for the flag, removing hats, etc. because you’re an announcer, not a teacher in this instance.  People don’t want to feel lectured to before watching a sports event.

Without A Performer:

“Ladies and gentlemen, at this time we ask that you all please rise and direct your attention to the [American/Canadian/etc.] flag, located [give the location*] for the playing of our National Anthem.”

*give the location using obvious landmarks such as, “at the Cavaliers end of the gym” or “above the Predators goal”.

With A Performer:

“Ladies and gentlemen, at this time we ask that you all please rise and direct your attention to [give location*] and please welcome [insert name here] who will sing/perform our National Anthem.”

Multiple Anthems Without A Performer:

“Ladies and gentlemen, at this time we ask that you all please rise and direct your attention to the [American/Canadian/etc.] flag, located [give the location*] for the playing of the O Canada, and the Star Spangled Banner.”

Always play the National Anthem(s) of any visiting countries first, and then the National Anthem of the home team.  If you have two teams from outside of your country, you can play the National Anthems of both teams, and then the National Anthem of the host country.

Multiple Anthems With A Performer:

“Ladies and gentlemen, at this time we ask that you all please rise and direct your attention to [give location*] and please welcome [insert name here] who will sing/perform the O Canada, and the Star Spangled Banner.”

Multiple Anthems With Different Performers:

“Ladies and gentlemen, at this time we ask that you all please rise and direct your attention to [give location*] and please welcome [insert name here] who will sing/perform O Canada.”

Following the first National Anthem:

“And now ladies and gentlemen, we ask that you please remain standing and direct your attention to [give location*] and please welcome [insert name here] who will sing/perform the Star Spangled Banner.”