California vs UNLV: No National Anthem, Rob Gronkowski Is Set for a “Specialized Grand Entrance” at SoFi Stadium

Rob Gronkowski is set to kick off the proceedings at SoFi Stadium for the California vs. UNLV matchup in the LA Bowl. Last year, when the future Hall of Famer hosted the game, he opened it by singing the national anthem. However, since Gronk felt that “people’s ears were hurting”, he is pivoting to something that’s more in his wheelhouse this year.

Gronk revealed to Kay Adams that he is going to do a “specialized grand entrance” for the players.

“The grand opening entrance that I’m doing this year isn’t really about me, it’s just me introducing the teams coming out of the tunnel — which is going to be really cool. I’m going to be on the microphone like ‘Here come the California Golden Bears’,” Gronk explained.

It should make for a fun atmosphere to start the game, similar to the starting lineup announcements at the beginning of NBA games. And this game needs all the excitement and hype because it’s not exactly an eye-catching matchup. This is why the bowl directors decided to attach Gronk’s name to it, hoping that casual viewers would tune in just to see the superstar.

Gronkowski got this gig without paying

Traditionally, if a celebrity wants their name linked to anything in sports, they need to shell out some cash. A game like this could cost anyone $300k to attach their name to it. But in this case, the LA bowl organizers decided to rope in Gronk, and prior to that Jimmy Kimmel, in an effort to boost the ratings.

The deal, however, should work both ways when a superstar is involved. Gronkowski declined to comment if he was compensated for the role — leading many to believe he wasn’t.

Last season, the LA Bowl saw the 7-5 UCLA Bruins take on the 8-5 Boise State Broncos — not exactly top tier. But because Gronk hosted and sang the national anthem, the game received higher ratings than initial predictions.

The situation is a reflection of where lower-tiered bowl games are inevitably heading. The ratings for other bowl games have dropped dramatically too in recent years. And who knows how low they would get this year with the advent of the 12-team playoff.

The future for lower-stakes bowl games revolves around media and sponsor creations rather than the talent on the field. It’s a sad reality for the players, but it’s just the way the audience has shifted lately.