How loud is the loudest stadium crowd?
The loudest stadium crowd is about 142 dB. 142.2 dB at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, 2014.
That is about 294 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 1.58e+08 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 142 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of less than a second. Peaks above 140 dB can cause instant damage. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as the loudest stadium crowd
More recordings elsewhere
- Football-crowd-Cheer+Jeers.wav by paulw2k – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- College Football Game.wav by timmyg62 – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- soccer_audience.aif by ikbenraar – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Football Crowd - Goal Cheer - Southampton Vs Hull at Saint Mary's… by Quistard – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- Football Crowd - Goal- Cheer - Southampton Vs Hull at Saint Mary's… by Quistard – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is the loudest stadium crowd?
About 142 dB.
Is the loudest stadium crowd louder than a jet engine?
Yes – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while the loudest stadium crowd is about 142 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.