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NBA Game Or the Circus?
Is all the noise and spectacle necessary? Fans, players, coaches are torn
By Katherine Thompson
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Posted May 16, 08 1:42 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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Cleveland's Q is one of the loudest arenas in basketball, filled with fire and smoke and ear-shattering music. But it's hardly unique among NBA venues. After Commissioner David Stern recently wondered whether teams were getting a smidge carried away, the Plain Dealer takes a look at the pros and cons of the noisy spectacles.
While most fans seem to favor fireworks and mascots leaping through flaming hoops, others aren't so sure. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says it's only a matter of time before someone is injured—in fact, pregame smoke in Boston sidelined the Cavs' Ben Wallace with an allergic reaction. Regardless, don't expect quick change. "We're charging extraordinary prices," explained one team exec. "We've got to ensure that our fans are enjoying the experience of a lifetime."