Quote:
Originally Posted by The Swedish Flame
Back home, every team has a certain section of the arena that is standing room only. This is normally where you find the hardcore fans (plus kids, youth, and others who don't want to pay a fortune for a ticket) that sing/jump/etc. the entire game. Chants and songs are heavily inspired by other sports, such as football (soccer), and are usually more complicated than a "Go [team] Go!".
In the NHL the games are much "bigger" though. Bigger in the sense that there are so many things going on before/during the game. Contests, cheerleaders, ice girls, etc. are everywhere. Not to mention that there are so many food and drink options.
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I would say that sporting events in North America are bigger spectacles than elsewhere in the World. The events are much more about sports entertainment than just pure sports and this is evident in the number of sideshows provided at games in Canada and America. While supporters in Europe and elsewhere are left to keep themselves entertained with songs and chants, rarely are North American fans left to their own devices. Further, there is an expectation in North America that it is up to entertainers to create the atmosphere and provide a reason to cheer. In football grounds across Europe it is much different as the fans really do consider themselves to be the extra-man and place the onus on themselves to get their team going.
Personally, I’d love to see a safe standing areas in the Flames’ new arena. The English Premiership lost a lot of atmosphere when they removed the terraces and I think they could nurture the development of a supporters group/section at Flames games.