Why isn't Gillette Stadium as loud as other stadiums

[PatsDeb]

Tired of this debate, but as a long time season ticket holder who has gone to games for years in both stadiums, I'll put in my 2 cents. It's mostly the design of the stadium but I think the fact that New Englanders are a bit more reserved than other segments of the country plays into it a little (but only a little). The fans are way further back and higher up than they were in the Old Fox. The people in the upper deck are a full 5 stories above the people in the middle deck. You can probably hear the cheers of those people more on the moon than on the field. It's just the way it is. It also accounts for us season ticket holders who can't understand the posts saying that on TV the crowd was quiet, while in our own ears while we were there it sounded loud.

Short of the Krafts redesigning the stadium and.or putting a roof on it, things aren't going to change.

 

[ahmed]

The stadium design is partially to blame but you're in serious denial if you think that the crowd has nothing to do with it.

This.

You don't need to compare the noise level to other stadiums. Compare it to other Pats games at home and the difference is undeniable unless you are in denial. There are some games that the fans are really loud. However, that to me seems to happen a lot less often than the not so loud games.

 

[neuronet]

Everyone should look at the figures posted on the second page of this thread before posting here.

I watched the Ravens this season with a former Steelers linebacker, and asked him where the toughest place to play was (regarding crowd noise). Without hesitation, he said Arrowhead. He said it sucked playing at Arrowhead (much worse than Baltimore).

And look at the geometry of that stadium versus ours (someone already said it: they have a bowl, we have a plate--this isn't complicated people).

Yes, our crowd, through superhuman effort, can sometimes overcome the limiting physics of the stadium and make some noise. but the fact is, an equal crowd that would sound quiet at Gillette would be deafening at Arrowhead.

Kraft had a rare lapse in judgment on this one, a really really bad lapse. Luckily he has been superlative in all other respects.

 

[PP2]

This.

You don't need to compare the noise level to other stadiums. Compare it to other Pats games at home and the difference is undeniable unless you are in denial. There are some games that the fans are really loud. However, that to me seems to happen a lot less often than the not so loud games.

Funny.. someone from Canada passing judgement.

I LOL'ed.

 

[robbomango]

The stadium design is partially to blame but you're in serious denial if you think that the crowd has nothing to do with it.

Fans have to pick and choose which games they're willing to bust vocal cords at otherwise they won't last the season let alone a post season.

It's actually quite sad people think the fans are at fault, they set record attendance numbers at training camp this year FFS, sell out every game, huge waiting list for season tickets, jersey sales, you name it. Why would fans spend all that money and put in all the effort to go sit silent at a game?

Put 100,000 fans on a plate and 60,000 in a bowl and I'll take the bowl crowd every time.

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

I've been to games where the crowd was quiet and disinterested and it wasn't because of the acoustics.

 

[PP2]

I've been to games where the crowd was quiet and disinterested and it wasn't because of the acoustics.

Even Arrowhead becomes quiet.. especially when it's a blowout and they're losing.

 

[robbomango]

I've been to games where the crowd was quiet and disinterested and it wasn't because of the acoustics.

Put those same fans in a towering, enclosed, mega dome with steep pitched stands and opera house acoustics, blasting music and you'll noticed a world of difference. Unless it's a blow out as PP2 noted, those have the same silencing effect on every fan base.

 

[UK_Pat37]

Fan since 1985, and Gillette is in my backyard (and so was Sullivan), so are you telling me YOU are the expert here and not me? You know more about my backyard than I do?

That's a good one, that.

Sorry, but you look at the MNF game against the Jets in 2010 and last years playoff games as prime examples...people say you can't tell by TV but it was CLEARLY louder in those games compared to others.

So you're telling me the fans are always making enough noise? I call BS.

 

[UK_Pat37]

This.

You don't need to compare the noise level to other stadiums. Compare it to other Pats games at home and the difference is undeniable unless you are in denial. There are some games that the fans are really loud. However, that to me seems to happen a lot less often than the not so loud games.

This.......

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

Even Arrowhead becomes quiet.. especially when it's a blowout and they're losing.

When's the last time the Pats were blown out at home?

 

[BananaRepublican]

And the serving staff brought their A game with flight after flight of wines from the Loire Valley. Just a rowdy atmosphere.

Rule #1 is no more food at the stadium. Food makes people dull and listless, fat and stupid. Let's all email the Krafts immediately. No more food. Come on, you people claim to be activists, so get on it. Just say no.

OK, maybe a good bagel should be allowed, but no locks.

OK, well maybe good locks. I mean if you're going to have bagels ....

 

[borg]

Seattle also happens to be a DOMED Stadium that is fully enclosed at both ends.. The fact that the only item you hit on is that they also play soccer there is somewhat boggling.. It's like you ignored everything else..
\

Domed???
"Allen rejected plans for a retractable roof during the early stages of the stadium's design. The lack of a retractable roof made it open to the elements, provided better views, and reduced the total cost of the project." Wikipedia

Open at both ends??
"The configuration of CenturyLink Field is a U-shape with an open north end to provide views of downtown Seattle and the large north plaza." Wikipedia

DaBruinz......if you are going to abuse someone...at least try to get one fact correct

 

[PP2]

Sorry, but you look at the MNF game against the Jets in 2010 and last years playoff games as prime examples...people say you can't tell by TV but it was CLEARLY louder in those games compared to others.

So you're telling me the fans are always making enough noise? I call BS.

Did I say that? I'm pointing out that because of the poor design of the stadium, fans aren't really inclined to stand up all the time and try to blow out their vocal cords to overcome the acoustical shortcomings of the place, unless something special happens. It does take some effort to raise the decibel level, and you are misinterpreting that as proof of a lackadaisical fan base.

 

[borg]

Seattle fans are not louder than pats fans, their stadium is, that's a fact. Same goes for the other echo chambers around the league especially the domes.

The fans in the Pacific Northwest are a different breed. The only place I can think of where fandom is rabid for both college and pro sports. Watch a Seattle MLS game just once and you'll realize fans in that city have taken it to a higher level. An old buddy has season tix to both the Sounders and Seahawks, and he is always telling me about the level of hysteria which starts 15 minutes before the games start and stays strong till the end. All stadiums have their moments of hysteria.....but Seattle goes stronger and longer.....like Viagra

 

[PP2]

When's the last time the Pats were blown out at home?

Conversely, when's the last time the Pats were blowing the other team away and the place was roaring?

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Conversely, when's the last time the Pats were blowing the other team away and the place was roaring?

when the crushed the jets 45-3 or whatever it was

 

[UK_Pat37]

Did I say that? I'm pointing out that because of the poor design of the stadium, fans aren't really inclined to stand up all the time and try to blow out their vocal cords to overcome the acoustical shortcomings of the place, unless something special happens. It does take some effort to raise the decibel level, and you are misinterpreting that as proof of a lackadaisical fan base.

I have conceded in another post acoustics don't help...but there's no denying the effort is sometimes lacking to even make just a little bit of noise...and players, including Brady, have hinted at it in the past.

 

[PP2]

I have conceded in another post acoustics don't help...but there's no denying the effort is sometimes lacking to even make just a little bit of noise...and players, including Brady, have hinted at it in the past.

Because it is hard to. In a place like Arrowhead when the slightest bit of noise is amplified, it doesn't take much incentive for it to turn into the 12th player.

But when you put a bunch of fans in a place that has poor acoustics, I guarantee you you will get a bunch of fans, no matter how loyal or deranged they are, who are not inclined to cheer more because it just takes more effort.

 

[borg]

I have conceded in another post acoustics don't help...but there's no denying the effort is sometimes lacking to even make just a little bit of noise...and players, including Brady, have hinted at it in the past.

The new wifi experience at Gillette will really get the crowd rockin With my Ipad in my lap, I will click my heels together during amazing moments. Is there a crowd cheer Ap I can push when the jumbotron informs me to make noise