https://www.history.com/news/why-the-star-spangled-banner-is-played-at-sporting-events
Apparently WWI. I've stopped being into that too since it's just performative nonsense to me. I'll go through the motions, but I prefer to be somewhere else (bathroom, walking the concourse, etc) when it's being sung. I just find it strange. Why not do it before movies? Plays?
They do it before my 7 year old's swim meets for some reason. They have cute kids do it, so I guess it's a performance for them, but I don't need to perform as well.
I actually just asked my 7 year old about the pledge of allegiance and she had no idea what I was talking about. She goes to an Episcopal school, so depending on your views, that can have its' own cult aspects. I have been pleased with signs that they use a very progressive and welcoming version of Christianity. Interesting variation on the usual Church vs State argument though.