Before I go into my opinion, I'd first like to lay out where I'm coming from. I'm currently a Music Technology major, and running Live Sound and working in Recording Studios is both a career and a passion. That being said, we're supposed to be supporting engineering. So step back and look at this a little more objectively.

Yes, people like their thumping music and upbeat times. Yes, sporting games are loud. However, rather than throwing around "loud" and "quiet" and so on, it would be nice if we could get some objective measurements in here. Were I working a venue, I wouldn't listen to someone complaining that it feels "too loud." Once they begin breaking out SPL's and OSHA statements, then and only then am I required to listen. We're supposed to be working for engineering folks, so let's try and act like it.

So, here we go. Anything greater than 78 decibels over time (not necessarily constant, but many exposures to sound over this level) will cause hearing damage. Hearing damage sounds extreme, so let me clarify: Not talking about losing your hearing, but beginning to dull your eardrum's ability to decipher higher frequency sound, and lower definition can come as a result. Anything over 120 dB is instant damage, and should be avoided if possible.

Now the common level to stay away from in the Live Sound industry varies by company, venue, and type of gig. I've run events where we've been capped at 85 (very frustrating, 85 is softer than a busy highway at 10 meters) all the way up to 120 dB. I'm sure that whoever is contracted to DJ or Mix the event has some company mandated cap, or the venue may impose one of their own. However, no technician should refuse an empirical reading. If you approach the booth and bring a chart of SPL's over the last hour, the tech will probably listen and bring it down. The off the shoulder comment about it being "too loud" will probably be ignored, as no data is presented.

So what does this rambling mean? If you have a problem with the sound, take measurements, approach the Tech politely, and know that he may not take your opinion. After all, those that make it in audio are either insanely headstrong or very very accommodating. There's not much of a middle ground in the industry.