To the original poster,
It is common NOT to play the anthem at non sports events. I spoke to many Meadowlands workers etc while there and there wasnt a ki hu zeh mention about it. In fact they were BH BH BH more complementry about the whole event and how everyone was well mannered and behaved.
Dont let your desire for the anthem to get in the way of the wonderful night. If you wanted, you should have looked up to the flag high above the endzone and sung the Star Spangled Banner by yourself.