There's been a lot of controversy about the recent decision by the Spokane Shock to ban artificial noise-makers from games. Largely die-hard fans have hated the decision and think that its just a measure by the front office to not alienate the casual fans.Having met plenty of the members of the Shock booster club, I can say that they're a great group of people that are very committed to their team.
HOWEVER,
I don't think I can get enraged about the noise-making ban for a few reasons.
1. Cowbells and horns are for cow-towns like the Tri-Cities and Sacramento (that was a really annoying NBA Western Conference Finals in the early 2000s against the Lakers. when the Kings would fill their arena with cowbells). Personally I find those kind of noisemakers cheap ways of drawing attention to yourself and not actually adding anything to the fan experience except annoying people.
2. Many teams have already employed this ban. So don't single out the Shock and their ownership for being big and bad. They've received complaints and they've had to change it. The casual ones are the ones that teams have to go after to succeed as a business. Simple economics.
3. It's called yelling. Did it all the time during EWU men's basketball games when I was a student there.
Alright Shock fans - still love you all - and you can send all hate mail to Casey Knopik. That's K-N-O-P-I-K.
