Spectators galore at Biathalon World Cup Shooting in German

[Barry Markowitz]

Check out a gallery of biathalon World Cup shooting in Germany by one of my fellow SportsShooter.com members. Note that particular crowd shot, #7, behind one competitor...they seemed to be rockin' out big time. Could the shift of air events (pistol and rifle) to the Winter Games piggyback off biathalon shooting enthusiasm? I have no firm opinion, but it might be interesting to kick the idea around on this forum again like we did a few years ago. These images get me thinking that a smart marketing guy could propose something creative. (No I have no pretense to be that guy).

[Barry Markowitz]

http://www.sportsshooter.com/members.html?id=1101

[David Levene]

Could the shift of air events (pistol and rifle) to the Winter Games piggyback off biathalon shooting enthusiasm?

I would doubt it. The big biathlon crowds are really only in Germany where you would get big crowds for any major shooting event anyway. The other main competing nations draw far fewer spectators at their home tracks.

Biathlon also has the added spectator appeal of an easy scoring system with highly visible targets and the increased excitement caused by the ski element.

[guest]

There is a tradition that ski tournaments draw huge crowds of people in several european countries.
There is a common exitement in the crowd that one must experience to fully understand. Not quite like a sokker match in Brazil, but still some exitement.
A shooting event will only gather the crowds when there are easily visible targets, and easy scoring systems, like David writes. And some local favorites involved?

Then imagine this scenario: At regional air weapon matches, there are 100 shouting, gesticulating, banner waving spectators. A few feet behind the firing line. How will your nervous system react? Knees shaking? (or buckling?). I would love this. (But then, I have done quite some alpine skiing contest during my younger years).

Yes, Barry, I think that the silent (mute) crowd at the shooting matches ought to show more exitement. Or in german words " Mehr Lauter Leben und Bewegung, bitte."