The Minnesota Wild, after courting fan opinion, have announced that Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” as the team’s official goal song in tribute to the recently departed and beloved local music icon.
The Wild have been using Joe Satriani’s “Crowd Chant” to get Wild fans at Xcel Energy Center pumped up for years, but when the team played the Prince classic during Game 6 of its playoff series against the Dallas Stars on April 24, the crowd erupted.
Given the decision to play the Prince classic came only days after the beloved musician’s tragic death, it’s not surprising how warmly it was greeted by fans, making for a poignant and emotional moment.
And now, starting with a Wild preseason game against the Colorado Avalanche on Sept. 27, “Let’s Go Crazy” will be played every time the Wild scores a goal in its home rink. The change was due in large part to an outpouring of support for the change after an email was sent out to the Wild’s season-ticket holders.
“Our in-arena experience is designed for the fans, so it’s great to be able to show them we take their feedback to heart,” said John Maher, vice president of brand, content and communications for the Minnesota Wild, per a report from the team’s official site. “At the same time, it’s our privilege to celebrate an iconic hometown artist that clearly has had an incredible impact on our community and the world.”
The outpouring of tributes and the like to Prince upon his passing knew no bounds, and his music and life were celebrated by some of the biggest names in all of sport, as well as the local teams who call Minnesota home (here and here).And now, the Wild can be added to that list. A fantastic decision, to say the least.[Puck Daddy]
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