Over the weekend, the NFL announced it was investigating claims that the Atlanta Falcons pumped in artificial noise when the opposing team was in an offensive huddle. Falcons owner Arthur Blank appears to acknowledge in an interview with Sports Illustrated that it happened:
It's not really a fine line," Blank told the AP. "I think what we've done in 2013 and 2014 was wrong. Anything that affects the competitive balance and fairness on the field, we're opposed to, as a league, as a club and as an owner. It's obviously embarrassing but beyond embarrassing it doesn't represent our culture and what we're about."
Whoops.
There has been plenty of chatter among 49ers fans (and I'm sure other fans) that the Seattle Seahawks pump noise in at CenturyLink Field. Personally, I think the design has allowed it to be incredibly loud just with the fans in attendance. I don't expect any revelations anytime soon similar to what we are hearing about Atlanta.
Of course, we can also consider this in light of the 49ers game-day experience at Levi's Stadium. I'm sure people can insert their joke of choice about the need for more sound. Speaking of which, Bay Area Sports Guy had an interesting article about some ways to improve the experience at Levi's Stadium. Give it a read.