The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is no stranger to questionable rules and regulations. The latest involved “Enter Sandman,” one of Metallica’s most iconic songs.
Per USA Today’s For The Win, “Enter Sandman” became a staple of many Virginia Tech sporting events since 2000. That year, the song was played during the season opener of the college’s football team.
Over two decades later, it became a rally song for Virginia Tech’s women’s basketball team. Since the team is the no. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA tournament, they get to host the first two rounds. Unfortunately, this means “Enter Sandman” has been banned. Why? USA Today’s For The Win explains, ” … The NCAA aims to keep its on-campus host sites as neutral as possible. One way the NCAA does that is by threatening to fine the host if it plays its traditional hype songs during tournament games, like Virginia Tech’s ‘Enter Sandman,’”
RELATED: Cat Headbangs to Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman’
Of course, there’s nothing in the rules that prevents fans from singing whatever song they please. This led to “Hokie Nation” to belt Metallica acapella at the top of their lungs. The video below is from Virginia Tech’s opening match against the Chattanooga Mocs. The Hokies won 58-33. They went on to defeat the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 72-60. The next game for the Hokies is on Saturday, March 26 against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers.
After @NCAA banned Enter Sandman from being played at tip-off, this is how Hokie Nation responded. pic.twitter.com/uN2wDYdW1I
— Riley Wyant (@rileywyantTV) March 17, 2023
“Enter Sandman” is included in our ranking of the best sports anthems. Scroll below to see where it ranks!