Every arena or stadium crowd knows that moment. The lights go down. The chatter quiets. And then that unmistakable riff rips through the atmosphere. Whether you’re in the nosebleeds or right up against the railing, you’ll feel it. These are the songs that get everyone in the game. From NFL fields to MLB ballparks, from NBA arenas to college stadiums, these are the anthems heard all across the country.

They range from classic rock royalty to punk to dance floor imports, but they all share one characteristic: they bring people together. They heighten triumphs, grease the wheels of rivalry, and elevate the excitement of being at a close game.

Here are 12 songs are already etched into fans’ sporting DNA.

Survivor – “Eye of the Tiger”

When Rocky III arrived in 1982, it was accompanied by this memorable theme song. It topped many charts around the world, received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song and has been an anthem for competition ever since.

The Romantics – “What I Like About You”

It may have peaked at only #49 in 1980 but the energetic track’s explosion of power pop fun that—handclaps and harmonica breaks included—has elicited sheer unadulterated glee in subsequent decades. It‘s sometimes sampled during crowd shots and dance cam segments.

Queen – “Another One Bites the Dust”

Probably few bass lines in all of rock history pack the punch of John Deacon‘s groove on this 1980 worldwide hit, helping The Game become the band’s only #1 album in the U.S. Once it builds to the hook, thousands punching their fists in the air simultaneously. You can thank the song‘s call and response for that, transforming anyone in the stadium into the backing singer for Freddie Mercury. The perfect song for a home team victory.

AC/DC – “Thunderstruck”

The moment Angus Young’s guitar blasts at you as the song begins, the temperature in the arena goes up. Young’s riff that opens the track is like a storm building, with the crowd singing along before Brian Johnson even opens his mouth. When the band comes in, the place is shaking. It‘s the starter button before the kickoff. Even the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders get into the action.

Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin’”

It’s a song that embodies the spirit of hope shared by everyone. Though the 1981 track peaked at only #9, it quickly became one of the band’s signature songs. As soon as the crowd hears the first few notes of the piano, hands go in the air, cellphones come out. It‘s a rallying cry for when the team needs a ninth-inning rally or late, game-typing goal. And Steve Perry loves to lead the crowd for his beloved San Francisco Giants.

Twisted Sister – “We’re Not Gonna Take It”

The defiant single reached #21 in 1984, becoming the metal band’s biggest hit, and sparked a pop culture firestorm for its allegedly violent lyrics. Regardless, when it plays on the speakers at the game, it becomes a chant of collective will.

Ramones – “Blitzkrieg Bop”

“Hey! Ho! Let’s go!” Four words. That‘s all you need. Though the band’s 1976 debut single never charted, it encapsulated the punk essence in a quick two minutes. It’s become an ideal way to return to action following an NHL intermission or NBA timeout as the concourse echoes between concrete walls.

Steam – “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”

As the visiting team’s starting pitcher tires and is taken out of the game for a reliever, the tune bubbles up on its own from the upper deck as the crowd begins the sing-song-y lyrics, rubbing salt in the wounds.

Related: Much more about the 1969 #1 hit from a group that didn’t even exist

The White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army”

That riff helped the track become a significant hit on alternative radio and though it peaked at only #76 on the Hot 100, it seeped into global sports culture following its 2003 release. No surprise that the Detroit rock duo’s anthem is a natural at a University of Michigan football game.

Elvis Costello – “Pump It Up”

Although the 1978 track never charted in the U.S., it’s become one of Costello’s best-known songs. Its jittery excitement and incisive rhythm guitar makes it a perfect track for a sports DJ. Its name says it all: a perfect timeout jingle and pre-game sequence starter.

2 Unlimited – Get Ready for This

Though this Eurodance 1991 powerhouse reached just #38 on the Hot 100, it became part of American basketball consciousness across the decade, thanks to its build, driving pulse and anthemic, screamed refrain. That synth line gets everybody in the venue on their feet, driving the home team’s will.

Tommy James & the Shondells – “Mony Mony”

The 1968 hit that, in one form or another, has been getting stadium crowds to sing along ever since.
It turns a simple call and response into thousands of people screaming in unison during a crucial pause in a game.

Some of these tracks are featured in a CD compilation, ESPN Presents Jock Rock, available here.