We’re technically a music site, and this article is technically only tangentially related to music. But, I must implore you, you just try and stop me from writing an article about anything to do with a curse.
To that end, the LA Times reports that at their home stadium of the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Kings hockey team has begun covering up a banner during their games which recognises Taylor Swift‘s extraodinary sell-out streak at the venue.
The reason? Since it went up back in late 2015, the Kings have twice failed to reach the playoffs, and twice have struck out early in the first round when they did make it through.
That’s right, the Kings (or at least their fans) reckon the Swift banner is to blame for their poor performance.
The Los Angeles Kings covered up a banner commemorating Taylor Swift before Saturday's home opener against the Nashville Predators.
The banner, which lauded Swift for having the most sold-out performances at the arena, won't be removed entirely but will continue to be covered up pic.twitter.com/tUSrTV7qWD
— Taylor Swift News (@blessedswifty) October 13, 2019
“The connection to our fans is our highest priority and through our engagement they have made it clear that the banner shouldn’t be part of their Kings game experience,” commented Michael Altieri, senior vice president of marketing, communications and content for the Kings and AEG Sports about the decision to cover the banner.
“We didn’t see an issue in covering it for our games and in fact see it as an opportunity to show our fans that we hear them.”
Of course, not everyone is happy with the decision, and some have criticised the Kings for hiding Swift’s accomplishment.
“Hey @LAKings, you just lost my support and my money,” wrote a Twitter user earlier today. “Taking down an achievement of a woman? Wow.”
Besides, removing the banner doesn’t seem to have done much. After winning a home game against the Nashville Predators 7-4 after its removal, the Kings lost their second against the Vegas Golden Knights over the weekend.
For their part, the Staples Center have confirmed they will not be taking the banner down, but the Kings aren’t the only sports team to cover up Swift’s achievement. The Los Angeles Clippers, who share a home arena with the Kings, also tarp over it. The Lakers, who also use the the Center as their home arena, do not cover the banner.
