When you think about the saints there is a lot that comes to mind. What also may come to mind is the iconic superdome in which they play. The superdome has now inherently become a component of the game in itself. The dome was originally built in the 1970's by the Curtis and Davis architectural firm. To quote from a nola.com article speaking about the superdome, it is "a prime weapon", and "pure chaos"[inside the dome]. The superdome creates an environment unique in and of itself. The superdome was built the way it was for a number of purposes. It was built as a/an: event venue, comfortable place for fans, way to be away from the heat, arena sheltered from the sporadic weather conditions of Louisiana. What they did not know when they built the superdome was that they had "engineered one of the best home-field advantages in professional sports.."
There's a number of elements that comprise to make the environment of the superdome the way that it is and that actually has an affect on opponents. The building itself acts as an amplifier; circular and cavernous where sound just bounces around. Comprised of steel and concrete, the architectural design focuses the sound. This distinct design coupled with the fact that new orleans has some of the most devoted, intoxicated, and loudest fans + sold out games for the last six years = 70,000 people creating 120
decibels. Deafening to say the least. This noise proves to be an inhospitable environment for any opponent and has an affect on their game play. The noise creates confusion between players communicating and coaches giving play calls. Noise also affects quarterbacks passing ability with players unable to hear the snap count. Many teams have also tried to be prepared for the noise running their practices in recreated conditions they would face in the dome but still underestimate the conditions. i.e. Brett Farve and the Vikings NFC championship game where they wore specially made earplugs for the game. They say not only are you going to play the Saints but your going to play their fans.Here's some noise comparisons
60 decibels: Normal conversation
They say sustained exposure to 90-95 decibles can cause hearing damage
100 decibels: Motorcycle, chain saw
120 decibels: A thunderclap, a jackhammer, The Superdome
125 decibels pain begins and possible permanent damage
140 decibels a shotgun blast
I got last minute tickets to the Saint vs. Lions game this Sunday. I must say, the environment inside the Superdome is incredible. I love that there are 70,000 people in there and even though in everyday life you probably wouldn't talk to these people and you probably don't have very much in common, but for those 4 hours you are all best friends. We are all cheering and booing for the same things. By the end of the game I had high fived every people in reach multiple times and hugged a few of them.
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One of my favorite environments, I must say. Two Dat!
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