[Vikesrock]

I think part of this problem stems from the growth of FIRST and the growing number of "spectators" attending events. These spectators may not realize how much work went into building these robots and that the crazy environment is part of what makes FIRST special.

At a football game people can stand and cheer when a great play happens or at the beginning of a game, but standing through the whole game is typically discouraged. Cheering on the other handm, can be as loud as you want, whnever you want. I think we can apply a similar attitude to these events. Standing and cheering as your team is introduced is a great way to support your drivers and show your spirit. If your team/alliance does something great (eg creates a row of 6/7/8, gets a last second ramp ect..) you should be able to stand up and cheer. When the match scores are put up, people should be free to stand and shout as well.

Standing during an entire match can become a bit frustrating for those seated behind you especially as more and more unaffiliated spectators begin to attend the events.

If teams want to stand for the whole match, providing an area or section of the stands to do so may be a good compromise for events where this is possible.