Fans at Florida State University are disappointed to see some long-held traditions disappear at Doak S. Campbell Stadium in favor of advertisements and generic fan experiences. FSU’s marching band boasts one of the most iconic pieces of music in the ACC: The War Chant.
Traditionally, the Marching Chiefs have played The War Chant during defensive third downs. However, the Marching Chiefs have been told not to play. Now, DJ music pipes in throughout the stadium during a defensive third down and in-game advertisements are called over the PA system instead of the band's fight songs.
Michael Alford, Florida State University athletic director said in a statement, “Scripted music is played during those sponsored elements and on third downs, in which football last year asked and was granted permission to select music.”
Despite outcry from fans and the band, over the change to third-down tunes, FSU football does not appear to be willing to budge.
The loss of the War Chant tradition begets other complaints from fans of all college teams that the live football experience is now riddled with advertisements and monetization. It puts in-game operations professionals in a tricky spot. These promotions and advertisements are paying the bills, so they can’t be fully eradicated, but the call for a return to tradition is obvious as a petition on change.org to bring back more Marching Chiefs performances at FSU home games received 5,000 signatures in a single day.
As far back as 2010, Bleacher Report published an article about the negative affects of advertising on the fan experience. And fans watching on TV report similar complaints: football games are too long and commercials are to blame.
Just this year, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved commercial sponsorship advertisements on football fields for the 2024 season. According to the statement, “This move also provides an additional revenue opportunity for schools that has not been available during the regular season.”
Additionally, advertising is not the answer fans seem to be looking for, and specifically at FSU, the War Chant remains absent as do many of the Marching Chief’s fight songs during times of in-game advertising.
