NBA
Why do the Sixers ring a bell before home games? How did the tradition start?
Yearning for their own tradition, the Philadelphia 76ers created a bell-ringing ceremony that has become a lasting ritual
Like any other team in the NBA, the Philadelphia 76ers were searching to create an ambiance at their Wells Fargo Center home and promote a culture that would last for generations to come. The pre-game bell-ringing ceremony dates back to the 2013-14 season as a way of keeping fans engaged in the arena and whipping up an atmosphere before home games.
For whom the bell tolls
Philadelphia’s head coach from 2013-2020, Brett Brown, came up with the idea to somehow incorporate something similar to the Liberty Bell, which has been emblematic of Philadelphia and a national symbol of American independence since the 18th century, to the team’s tradition.
The franchise had to search far and wide to find a cast iron bell of similar size and characteristics to the Liberty Bell. A 200-pound replica was eventually tracked down in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Sixers bought it, and fixed it to a wooden beam on top of a portable cart. The franchise regularly invites celebrity fans to get the crowd going by ringing the ball. Those who have been happy to oblige include comedian Kevin Hart, rapper Meek Mill, Lil Dicky, Carson Wentz and Shane Victorino.
About the Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell first arrived in Philly in 1752; it was originally rung to alert citizens about public meetings and summon lawmakers to legislative sessions. In 1776, for the reading of the Declaration of, Bells were rung across the city. The Phillies show off a colossal bell at Citizens Bank Park, sounding with each run scored.
The ring, obviously, carried a huge significance for Philly, who decided to incorporate it into their culture. In 2018, the organization introduced the postgame bell-ringing tradition as a way to commemorate wins:
“When you start figuring out how do you want to build a program and what are the cultural pieces that you can implement to sort of show the vibe of the program and even things that could live through the ages,” said Brown. “Scott Rego, my equipment manager, and I started spitballing notions about ways to grow the culture. We started talking about a bell and what would happen if we rung a bell after we win.”
During the pregame ceremonial bell-ringing, announcer Matt Cord used these words to define the new tradition: “The bell is a symbol of the city’s unity and passion.” Those characteristics fit the team’s values, too.”
A model of the bell sturdy enough to withstand repeated celebratory ringing was made that year, and it arrived just in time to kick off the preseason. And the bell ringing became a postgame celebration the players looked forward to each night. It was rung 52 times that season.
The coaches would meet to select the bell ringer following a victory and nominate whoever they deem fit. Sometimes it would be given to the leading scorer, while other times, it would be given to a player returning from injury.
And now, the tradition continues: