Go Crazy Folks!

I have to give the Blackhawks one thing, their national anthem. No matter who you're a fan of and whether you enjoy sports or not, this is something that can get anyone excited. If you're not sure what I'm talking about, check this out:

Simply mind-blowing (there's an even better version on NHL.com.) I love the part where it just gets earsplitting by the "Rockets Red Glare," introducing us to new degrees of loudness. In my opinion, the crowd has just as much to do with the great atmospheres in sports, as anything, if not more. The atmosphere at the United Center has been second to none throughout the playoffs, and the anthem before game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals (the one you just saw) was epic, and quite possibly the loudest moment ever in the short but great history of the building. So many great moments in sports have been enhanced, if not created by the fans present and their reaction to the heroics witnessed. Yes, the moments could never take place without the athletes great performances, but equally as important to the moment is the pandemonium that follows, without it, it wouldn't be nearly as exciting and maybe, dare I say even forgettable, of course, that would never happen. Relive Brandon Roy's game winning buzzer beater against the Rockets last season, and the instantaneous raucous celebration that ensued, this play takes place after Yao Ming gave Houston the lead on a three point play with 0.8 seconds left on the clock:

I love experiencing big moments from the "fan reaction cam" or aerial angle, (whichever you prefer,) and watching the sea of arms seemingly punching the sky when that second arrives and insanity takes over, yes truly insane indeed. I love when the crowd gives a unified gasp in anticipation of what's about to happen, followed by a collective sigh or a chaotic explosion in unison (see: possible big three pointers, potential homeruns, promising shots on goal and hailmary touchdown attempts.) I also love when the crowd is already going ballistic and then something happens that requires an even bigger eruption. Decibel level knows no bounds in those situations which usually end up producing some of the loudest, most memorable moments in sports. Check out this classic footage of Michael Jordan and his record setting barrage on the Blazers in the '92 Finals, as he leaves Chicago Stadium in an absolute frenzy, you'll see (and hear) just what I'm talking about:

There's just one more word I have for you: Goosebumps.