The Power of Atmosphere

By Destiny McClendon

The Power of Atmosphere leaves a lasting impact on athletes, and that same atmosphere in which athletes perform in when the stakes are highest varies from sport to sport. Fans, cheerleaders and mascots provide emotional support and a shared passion for athletes and the sports they play. The atmosphere of a crowd can help evoke high environmental tension, causing athletes to rise above and be clutch when it matters most. The lack of an audience can also have an impact on creating a game-like environment, allowing athletes to tell the difference between a game and a practice.