The Mohegan Sun Arena anthem gig is my favorite. Their pre-game consists of player autograph signings, halfcourt shots, a hype video, fire, massive team flag waivings, and other great visuals. It’s always so fun to think as the anthem performer, I get to be a small part of that.
I’ve played the anthem before a Suns game more than any other team, going back to pre-COVID. They’ve had some turnover in staff so I’m never sure I’ll get to play it again but they’ve always been good to me. It’s about a 90 minute drive up from Boston and my buddy, B, has been my go-to hang for these events for years. I always look forward to when we’re done with all the pre-game stuff and get to watch the game where says, “man – I haven’t been to a Suns game since last year when we went”. Haha. Good stuff.
CT Suns fans are loyal: they get there early, wear all the orange gear, and know how to be loud. I assume being close to the UConn Women’s basketball program helps but they come out for Suns game, for sure. You can count on them lining up at the gate around the same time I need to be there for soundcheck (4.45pm for a 7pm game).
Soundchecks are usually a lot of hurry-up-and-go and teams try to squeeze you in the 2 minutes they have between when the shootarounds stop to when the doors open to the public. The game announcer came over to ensure he got my last name right (which he said he remembered from last year: De-Coast). After soundcheck, B & I usually walk around the casino & arena for hours (literally in circles).
When it came time to be back on the court, they ensure you’re there with a lot of time to spare ensuing at least the anthem is as ready as possible (but things do happen, like my gigs at Shea Stadium and one of the DCU Center anthem gigs). I chatted a bit with the halftime performer, the Simon Says guy, and got pics with the mascot and a few of the players.
When it’s time to play the anthem, it’s about getting to the center court asap, waiting for your introduction, and then playing once it goes dark (except for the spotlight on you). Sometimes you can hear people sing along, sometimes not. Once done, it’s get off the court as fast as possible. Because I have some gear (i.e. pedalboard, amp, and some cables), it’s about getting them in the backstage area (so to speak) and then tidying them up.
Once the gig is done and the gear is all put away, we can start our ascent to heading upstairs for food, see all the in-game activities/ promotions, and watching the game until it’s time to make the 90 minute drive back to Boston. Drive backs usually consist of listening to the game if we left early, catching up on news, or in this instance listening to Dave Attell.
With the pending sale of the team, I’m not sure what will happen but am hoping for another opportunity to play one last time for a Suns game.