Former United States men's national team head coach Bruce Arena said playing the national anthem prior to sporting events is "inappropriate."
He said as much on Banter with Taylor Twellman (h/t Jim Reineking of USA Today), pointing out, "We don't use the national anthem in movie theaters, on Broadway, other events in the United States. I don't think it is appropriate to have a national anthem before a baseball game or an MLS game. ... I think it's inappropriate. And today, it's becoming too big of an issue."
Arena clarified that he considers himself "the most patriotic person you're ever going to be around" and thinks it is appropriate to play the song prior to marquee international matches such as the World Cup.