Anthems were not played regularly before sporting events until
WWII (although plays and musical presentations in
Victorian England would  conclude with "God Save the Queen").
 
I can't imagine circumstances under which they will no longer be
played.
 
And anyway, sports ARE ritualized warfare. Might as well
initiate them with homage to Nationalism - the root of warfare
since 1789.
 
 
Greg
Somerville
Let's Go Red!
Let's Go Islanders! (Thank you Brian Leetch...)