Mariachi Group Performs Anthem at Bears Game, Drawing Mixed Reactions

Mariachi Herencia de México performed the U.S. national anthem before the Chicago Bears hosted the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on September 28, giving the team its first mariachi performance of the anthem at a game. The appearance was part of the Bears’ Latino Heritage Month celebration and drew both praise and criticism in online reactions. The group performed a mariachi arrangement of The Star-Spangled Banner before kickoff. The performance was carried on ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast, bringing it to a national television audience. Reports described it as the first time a mariachi ensemble had performed the anthem at a Bears game. Some viewers objected to the musical interpretation, saying they preferred a more traditional presentation of the anthem. Others praised the arrangement and the choice to include it in the team’s heritage celebration. ESPN commentator Joe Buck said during the broadcast that the performance gave him chills. The reactions cited in reports were selected posts and broadcast comments, not a systematic measure of opinion among viewers or people at Soldier Field.