Well, living life "abroad" (6-7 hours away from A2), a lot of my M viewing is on the TV. But the last game I was able to physically attend was the last Utah game a few years ago. I took a friend who had never been. We made it a big deal. We had a blast, but as I recall the score was a little too close for comfort. (10-0 right?) *(Edit: I looked it up it was 10-7)
I also remember that despite that, the crowd noise wasn't exactly what I would have called intimidating. Loud? Certainly. Imposing? Not really.
I think it was the combination that the fandom couldn't believe this wasn't a blowout and the fact that it was probably one of the nicest days you could ask for. Sunny skies, temps in the 75-80 degree range with no humidity that day. Early season game and everyone was sort of mellow. Just really happy to be there and soaking it all in.
I just hope that the fandom that goes to this Utah game makes it so loud that those guys will want to get back on the bus after warmups!
I know added noise is one of the factors taken into consideration on the new addition to the stadium. The shape of the suites will bounce all of the noise back onto the field. After being at two M vs OSU games in C-bus, I can tell you their old shack gets pretty freaking loud. Of course it is basically a sound chamber with the roof over the top sections and the added "enclosure" of the U shape. Sound pops around a lot in there. It's pretty jarring to the ears.
BTW, I took a guided tour of Ford Field. They designed all of these baffles and sound reflectors in the roof so that the stadium is loud but on the field, the players can hear each other very well. I was shocked! I'm sure the fans COULD possibly mess with the NFL players to a degree but I was really blown away at how good you could hear from one side of the field to the next.
Anyhow, if you go, save your voices for about a week so you can BOOM Utah out of the box. GO BLUE!
Proud member of the 6/30/2008 circle of trust.