Why do sports arenas and movie theaters have to be so loud?

[oregonjen]

We went to see a Portland Trailblazers basketball game last weekend and I had to wear earplugs because the speaker system was extremely loud. A 4 year old boy who sat next to us freaked out at the beginning and his dad had to leave with him for awhile. 30 minutes later they returned with earplugs for the little guy. It was sad to see.

When we go see movies, I always cringe because I know it's going to be pretty loud. When my son was younger, he used to watch movies with his hands over his ears.

Is this a generational thing? Am I a noise wimp? :shrug:

[alarimer]

1. No, I find them pretty noisy too.

I don't really understand it.

[Zavulon]

2. Nope. You're not.

This is why I don't go to the theater or to pro sports events which aren't outdoor events.

[TK421]

3. It's not just you....I think theaters are a bit too loud myself

but then again, this is coming from someone who goes crazy when roommates slam cabinet doors and make too much noise early in the morning

[SoxFan]

4. It's the added fake sound

I go to a fair amount of Manchester Monarchs games (the local minor league club, the Los Angeles Kings farm team). I cringe every time the house announcer comes on and says "Penalty against Syracuse, 2 minutes for tripping, that means IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER PSNH POWEEERRRRR PLAAAAAAY!!!!" I want to stick an awl in my ear canal.

It's not just the Monarchs, either. I've been to minor league hockey games in Lowell, Portland, new Orleans, and Little Rock, and they all have this insatiable need for racket.

The baseball parks are a little better. They aren't as noisy, but feel compelled to fill every free moment with some sponsored nonsense.