The Metrodome has a reputation for noise. But the Minnesota Vikings want fans to keep it down when they've got the ball.
Offensive players say crowd noise is interfering with pre-snap calls and signals.
Noise measurements have reached 130 decibels this season, fueled mainly by music on the public address system. While the music is turned off after a team breaks the huddle, fans sometimes continue to cheer loudly in the moments before the ball is snapped. Receiver Cris Carter and tackle Todd Steussie recently spoke with Vikings executive vice president Mike Kelly about the problem. Carter has taped an announcement to be played during the game, thanking the crowd for its support but asking fans to lower the noise level when the Vikings are on offense. I think people will respond to it.