15 unique traditions and rituals in professional sports

The Wave (Baseball)

1

 Fans at baseball games often perform “The Wave,” a synchronized cheer where each section of the crowd stands and raises their arms, creating a wave-like effect around the stadium.

Haka (Rugby)

2

The New Zealand All Blacks perform the haka, a traditional Maori war dance, before each match, showcasing cultural pride and intimidating opponents.

Gatorade Shower (American Football) 

3

Teams celebrate victories by dousing their coach with a cooler of Gatorade, a tradition that started in the 1980s with the New York Giants.

Victory Lap (Various Sports) 

4

 Athletes or teams often take a victory lap around the field or track after winning a championship or major race, celebrating their achievement with fans.

Stanley Cup Tradition (Hockey) 

5

 Each player on the winning team of the Stanley Cup playoffs gets to spend a day with the trophy, a tradition allowing them to celebrate with family and friends.

Bobby Orr's 'Flying Goal' (Hockey) 

6

 In the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals, Bobby Orr scored a famous game-winning goal while flying through the air, becoming an iconic moment in NHL history.

Pre-Game Rituals (Various Sports) 

7

Many athletes have personal pre-game rituals, such as specific warm-ups, listening to particular songs, or wearing lucky items for good luck.

Jersey Retirement (Various Sports) 

8

 Teams retire the jersey numbers of legendary players to honor their contributions, ensuring no other player wears that number again.

Seventh-Inning Stretch (Baseball) 

9

 In Major League Baseball, fans and players stand and stretch during the seventh inning of the game, a tradition dating back to the early 1900s.

Super Bowl Coin Toss (American Football) 

10

The coin toss before the Super Bowl is a highly anticipated event, with the winning team gaining the choice of kickoff or receiving the ball.

Trophy Presentation Ceremony (Various Sports) 

11

Major sports events often conclude with a trophy presentation ceremony, where the winning team or athlete is awarded their championship trophy.

Home Run Derby (Baseball) 

12

Held annually during the MLB All-Star Game festivities, the Home Run Derby allows players to showcase their power by hitting as many home runs as possible.

National Anthem Performances (Various Sports) 

13

 Many sports events start with a performance of the national anthem, a tradition that celebrates national pride and unity.

Laps Around the Track (Formula 1)

14

 After a race, drivers perform a victory lap around the track to celebrate their win with fans and teams, showcasing their car and waving to the crowd.

Locker Room Celebration (Various Sports)

15

Teams often celebrate significant wins in the locker room with music, cheers, and sometimes champagne, creating memorable moments of camaraderie.