By Josh Lipka

The role music plays in sporting events is nearly as big as the sport itself. Sports and music go together like peanut butter and jelly. Whether the use of music is for preparation or entertainment, specific music is necessary to help each sport reach its maximum potential.

In these modern times, music is having more of a crucial impact on sports than ever before. Athletes are seen on ESPN week in and week out, listening to the tracks on their iPods that have most influence in preparing them for the upcoming action.

Music isn’t just necessary for athletes to prepare for competition. In most arenas, music is played an hour before game time. Take the KFC Yum! Center, for example. Music will be heard nearly half an hour before the teams take the floor for warm-ups. These pre-game beats help create an electric crowd. There aren’t many other pre-game routines that will pump up a crowd more than finding your seat while Young Jeezy is bumping “put on for my city.” Especially with a fan-favorite Cardinal team, these tracks will get the crowd ecstatic.

It has been said that the crowds at the KFC Yum! Center are more of spectator crowds. I think it’s safe to say the Cardinal fans raise the roof when big plays are made. Being a spectator crowd has its benefits. Two words: boogie cam. While some fans take a seat or visit concessions during timeouts, the boogie cam is in full swing, and always a fan favorite. As music blares throughout the stadium, people of all kinds bust a move for the attention of the JumboTron 5-second shot. If there was an award for the fans with the best dance moves, U of L would be a national top contender.

Whether you’re an athlete in the locker room, focusing on preparing for the match, or a fan in the stands, getting hyped for the event, music will always influence the results, for good or for bad.  From here on out, don’t be shy when the boogie cam shines on you – do Louisville proud and cut some rug.