How much does crowd size and energy REALLY affect the outcome of a game?

[redvelvetjoy]

Hey sports fans! So, I recently went to a game that was totally sold out, and the energy was insane! It got me wondering — does anyone think that a hyped-up crowd actually makes a difference in the game, or is that mostly hype? I’ve read that players feed off the crowd, but I’d love to hear if anyone has seen a game where the crowd really seemed to change the energy or if it’s all psychological. What do you all think?

 

[Ruth_]

The crowd’s energy can definitely have a real impact on the outcome of a game! While players might say they feed off the energy, there’s research suggesting that loud, passionate crowds can boost home teams’ performance, help with momentum, and even influence referees’ decisions. It’s not all in the players’ heads—sometimes, a hyped-up crowd really does tilt the scales! Have you ever seen a team make a comeback, and you could just feel the crowd pushing them forward? That’s the crowd effect in action!