Bayern Munich: Visualizing the sound of fans in football’s sonic revolution

The impact of the “12th man” – the power of fans urging on their team and giving players an extra edge over their opponents – is often talked about, but it’s an elusive concept given it’s never been measured before.

That could be about to change though, with new technology – pioneered by Siemens and Signal Noise – to be used during Bayern Munich’s home games and visualize the relationship between crowd noise and on-pitch action at its Allianz Arena stadium.

Using acoustic camera technology, stadium noise created by fans is mapped onto a 3D model to help visualize the sound of football.

New technology will map the relationship between crowd energy and on-field action.

Future of live broadcasts

The new technology, implemented this season, records the average sound of supporters as they react to what’s happening in the game. It will also allow viewers to identify the most supported players on the pitch.

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“There has always been a lot of discussion around the concept of the ’12th man’ and the role that fans play in a typical football game,” said Signal Noise managing director Matthew Falla.

“For the first time we can quantify that by looking at what is happening on the pitch and the noise the 75,000 fans at Allianz Arena make and analyzing the emerging patterns.”

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The technology potentially could also be used in television broadcasts enabling viewers to see exactly where the noise is coming from, when it occurs and just how loud it is.

Borussia Dortmund —

Borussia's Dortmund's Westfalenstadion Stadium is known for its "Yellow Wall." The south stand is packed full of impassioned fans who together create one of the most spell-binding sights in football. Dressed in the team's yellow and black, supporters create an intimidating atmosphere for the opposition.

Liverpool —

There is something special about Anfield on a European night and the stadium's Spion Kop seems to drag the ball into the goal when Liverpool are attacking that end. Fans also sing the stirring "You'll Never Walk Alone" before every match to create a spine-tingling spectacle.

Galatasaray —

The Turk Telekom Stadium is home to Turkish giants Galatasaray. The fans here don't just wait for the big games to create an atmosphere. The stadium -- which is the second biggest in the country with a capacity of 52,223 -- is always awash with flags, scarves and flares.

Napoli —

The Stadio San Paolo has one of the most raucous atmospheres in Serie A. Large flags and constant singing are common place in Naples, making this iconic stadium rock during home matches.

Roma —

The Stadio Olimpico in Rome is a gladiatorial like venue. With a capacity of 72,698, the stadium is home to both Roma and Lazio. The fiery atmosphere is magnified by the traditional surroundings which helps produce a caldron of noise.

Sevilla —

With a capacity of 43,883, the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan cannot compare to the size of some stadiums in La Liga but its atmosphere can. The home fans are a big factor behind Sevilla's impressive home-record. The team went over a year without a loss at home in 2017.

Boca Juniors —

La Bombonera is the home to Argentine side Boca Juniors. The fans are at most vocal for the Buenos Aires derby against River Plate where both sets of supporters combine to make a carnival like atmosphere. It may only have capacity of 49,000, but the tight surroundings make for an electric wall of noise.

Red Star Belgrade —

The Rajko Mitic Stadium in Serbia can be one of the most intimidating places to play football. Fans create huge banners in support of the team and frequently use pyrotechnics to intimidate the opposition.

Football stadiums with a reputation for atmosphere

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Crowd influence

Fans are seen as pivotal to home advantage and it’s often argued can influence results.

The Westfalenstadion, home to Borussia Dortmund, is another German stadium known for its atmosphere and “Yellow Wall” – a stand containing thousands of loyal supporters – and has often been credited with intimidating the opposition and giving the team’s players that extra motivation.

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Updated 8:41 AM EDT, Mon October 1, 2018

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“It’s a very interesting idea,” Dortmund fan Sandra Goldschmidt told CNN Sport, referring to Bayern’s sonic initiative.

“When I re-watch our home games I always think that the away fans sound louder than the home fans while in the stadium. It sounds much different and vice-versa. It would also be very interesting to know which players get cheered the most.”