You forgot the most important question of all; do you care?

It should be standard practice to totally ignore it. It's just another form of propaganda especially since it reflects what this country has become.

I think a British friend may have answered that when he asked why there’s an ‘American flag’ on every corner … “It’s as if you need reminding of what country you’re in!” Perhaps that applies to the Anthem at sporting events

The practice gained a foothold during the cold war in line with the Olympic tradition of playing the anthem of the winning athletes. Part of the pompt and ceremony to make the contest seem more important than it is. More recently after 9-11. the Army paid the NFL and the networks to bring the teams out during the playing and to televise it to arouse patriotic feelings in the audience.

No ! No need .

How about before we go bowling? Or play ping pong?
Or play checkers? No.

If, there are those who think we "must" stand and place our hand over our hearts, no.
I am a Veteran.

1...It is a shitty song. America The Beautiful would be a better and more appropriate song.
2...It should only be played at federal government functions and maybe the Olympics.
3...Nationalism never ends well.
4...I am a veteran.

I always found it to be low key threatening to questioners of unquestioning patriotism. It definitely is now. Currently it represents racism denial. I think nationalism is inappropriate.