Auditory Overload

Took in an NBA game this past week, live and in-person, as a average spectator; and, was left with a distinct impression.

Why bother?

An "old school" sports guy, I was disappointed to see and hear for myself just how much times have changed when it comes to watching (and listening to) an NBA game in an arena today.

The biggest change?

By far, sitting some 20 rows up from floor level, it was impossible to hear anything related to the action on the court below ... except, of course, for the work of the PA Announcer.

To wit, despite what my eyes were seeing, the familiar sounds of:

Sneakers squeaking
Balls bouncing
Teammate-to-teammate verbal communication
Player-to-referee verbal communication
Referee-to-player verbal communication
Player-to-coach verbal communication
Coach-to-player verbal communication
Coach-to-referee verbal communication
Referee-to-coach verbal communication
Players straining, physically, working against one another
Plays being called from the bench, and
Plays being called on the floor

were completely inaudible to the vast majority of spectators in attendance that evening.

What we got, instead, was a constant barrage of the senses, beginning with the pyrotechnical display, video montage, and ear-splitting musical accompaniment in the pre-game introductions, and continued, incessantly, throughout the game, by:

* an in-house DJ, doing his thing ... "Let's Get This Party Started!" ... from the opening tip and throughout the play
* a slew of lame on-court contests and promos, during time-outs, or a series of bump & grind routines by the team's Dance Pack
* unabashed 'cheerleading' from the PA Announcer, during the play of the game ... exhorting the home team's fans to Make Some Noise, Get Up On Your Feet, and Help 'Em Take It To The Next Level ... in an attempt to influence the outcome on the court
* A sure Sign Of The Apocalypse: rim microphones, designed to 'artificially enhance' the sound of the ball hitting iron and the 'twinkling of the twine' on made shots from the floor

Is this what NBA exec's think today's fans want to hear in an arena, as entertainment?

If so, count me out.

Unless I'm comped ... I will not be going to another NBA game in-person, as an average spectator.

What's the point? Yelling at the top of lungs, just to be heard by the person sitting next to me, isn't my idea of a fun way to spend two and half hours of my time.