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NBA Game Or the Circus?

Is all the noise and spectacle necessary? Fans, players, coaches are torn

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 16, 2008 1:42 PM CDT
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(Newser) – 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."

Fireworks light up the arena before the Golden State Warriors-Utah Jazz playoff game Tuesday, May 15, 2007, in Salt Lake City. The Warriors have one of the loudest crowds in the NBA.
Fireworks light up the arena before the Golden State Warriors-Utah Jazz playoff game Tuesday, May 15, 2007, in Salt Lake City. The Warriors have one of the loudest crowds in the NBA.   (AP Photo/Steve C. Wilson)
The fireworks set off in the Boston Garden before Game 2 of the Cavaliers-Celtics series left the building smoky, and touched off some players' allergies.
The fireworks set off in the Boston Garden before Game 2 of the Cavaliers-Celtics series left the building smoky, and touched off some players' allergies.   (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
A game between the Hornets and Spurs was delayed 19 minutes while the fire from a mascot's stunt was extinguished and spray from the fire extinguishers sprayed the floor.
A game between the Hornets and Spurs was delayed 19 minutes while the fire from a mascot's stunt was extinguished and spray from the fire extinguishers sprayed the floor.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Lou Mack, The Dog Man of Las Vegas, performs with his dogs during halftime of an NBA basketball game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics in Boston on Friday, April 13, 2007.
Lou Mack, The Dog Man of Las Vegas, performs with his dogs during halftime of an NBA basketball game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics in Boston on Friday, April 13, 2007.   (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Fireworks shoot up from the court before the start of a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, in Boston. Flashy displays are now the norm in the NBA.
Fireworks shoot up from the court before the start of a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, in Boston. Flashy displays are now the norm in the NBA.   (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
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COMMENTS
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Stern wants to reconsider the spectacle
ESPN

Celtics will continue fireworks shows
Boston Herald

Fan pandering is hokey, but it works
Slate

Instead of fire, have cheaper hot dogs
Cleveland Plain Dealer

 
NBA • Cleveland Cavaliers • fireworks • Boston Celtics • noise • fans • arena • 2008 NBA playoffs

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