Angels’ Opening Day Anthem Marred by Botched Flyover

Los Angeles — The Los Angeles Angels’ home opener on April 4, 2026 turned into a viral spectacle when a scheduled Air Force flyover failed to align with the rendition of “The Star‑Spangled Banner.” Singer Alexandra Castle, aware that the jets were delayed, attempted to stretch the final notes of the anthem, pausing repeatedly in a bid to sync the climax with the aircraft’s arrival.

The miscue marked the second consecutive year the Angels’ opening‑day flyover has been mistimed, prompting criticism from fans and commentators. Baseball writer Sam Blum noted that the timing “was completely botched,” and social media erupted with jokes and memes branding the moment an “anthem disaster.”

Despite the awkward pause, Castle managed to complete the anthem, and the Angels ultimately lost the game 5‑2 to the Seattle Mariners. The incident has reignited calls for better coordination between stadium officials and the military ceremony team ahead of future MLB openings.