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Hub exclusive: Top arena songs that pump up teams, crowds

By Candace Horgan, SportsEngine, 09/17/19, 7:45PM MDT


We selected our favorite songs heard at hockey rinks, and No. 1 is no surprise if you are a fan of the sport!

The right song can bring fans to their feet the same way a goal from their favorite team can. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine

From pregame pump ups to team fight songs and postgame celebrations, music and sports have a symbiotic relationship. And the right song played at the right time has the power to crescendo a crowd to get them out of their seats. 

As fans get ready to see another hockey season unfold, here's a quick hit list of some of the top tunes you might hear at Colorado arenas (plus one honorable mention from the State of Hockey) put together by the CO Hockey Hub's Candace Horgan, who knows plenty about what makes a perfect arena song. Not only has Horgan taken in a hockey game or two at arenas around the state, she has played guitar for 34 years.

1. "I Wanna Drive The Zamboni"

Artist: Gear Daddies

Also known as "Zamboni," this quirky song tells the sad tale of someone whose dream is to drive the Zamboni, with lyrics like "Ever since I was young, it's been my dream, that I might drive the Zamboni machine," which turns out to be a fruitless quest, as the rink manager tells the narrator that "I've got Smokey who's been driving for years." It's pretty much the perfect song to hear as the Zamboni resurfaces the ice between periods. Often heard at World Arena during Colorado College games.

2. "We Will Rock You"

Artist: Queen

All right, everybody start stomping your feet and clapping your hands. I remember when this song came out in 1977 and it was instantly adopted by every sports team around. It's just about the perfect pump-you-up song for athletes of all ages, with an easy to sing chorus that gets your blood flowing. 

3. "Hells Bells"

Artist: AC/DC

From the opening church bell sound to the ominous, droning A-minor riff from guitarist Angus Young, the first 1 minute, 25 seconds of this song is about as good as it gets and will excite both players and fans. Interestingly, the bell recorded was a 910-kilogram replica of the Denison Bell of the Carillon Tower at the Loughborough War Museum in England. AC/DC was unable to record the actual bell because pigeons nest there.

4. "Even Flow"

Artist: Pearl Jam

This is sometimes played during Colorado Avalanche games at the Pepsi Center. It's a good rock anthem. I've seen Pearl Jam play three times at the Pepsi Center, and the song is so well-known everyone enjoys it. It does make me feel old to realize "Ten" is now 28 years old. 

5. "Paradise City"

Artist: Guns N' Roses

This one is often played at Magness Arena when the Denver Pioneers need a boost, especially prior to big faceoffs. The chorus-y guitar intro from Slash is a big hit with players and fans alike. You really only need the first 20 seconds of this one, which makes it perfect for pre-faceoff music. Sometimes, it's heard during TV commercial breaks, too. 

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