God reigns at sporting events
By John Zenor
ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 13, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The throng of fans cheered, shouted enthusiastic "Amens" and waved their arms above their heads to the tunes of a Christian rock band.

Nearby, children checked out the Bible-themed bobblehead dolls and posed with VeggieTales characters while parents scanned tables filled with Bibles in a family-friendly brand of pregame tailgating.

That scene before a recent Birmingham Steeldogs arenafootball2 game is one of a growing number of "Faith Nights" at sporting events around the country that mix religion and sports, praise and promotion.

"We want you to come to a game and have fun and listen to music," said Brent High, president of Third Coast Sports, which runs and promotes the events. "But at the same time, we're going to set the table for you with player testimonials and music. It's a great night for you to reach out to people who don't have a church home." the rest