[usa] nfl hates noise

At most big ballgames, noise is good, and more noise is better. Seattle fans make Qwest Field, where the Giants play Sunday, notoriously loud. In last year's game there, the Giants had 11 false-start penalties. Skin-baring cheerleaders, cartoonish mascots and maniacal M.C.’s take turns trying to whip fans into a frenzy. Scoreboard messages tease the crowd with fake decibel meters and implore fans to “Raise the Roof!” Because vocal cords are not enough, fans sometimes receive noisemakers like inflatable bat-shaped balloons at the gate. They can create a cacophony of thump-thump-thumps meant to lift the home squad’s spirits and deflate the visiting team. There can never be too much commotion. Except in the N.F.L. Find out why.