Ready to roar!

By Harry Emanuel Last updated: 25th February 2010

I've visited my fair share of stadia so far this year including The Wanderers, Sun Life Stadium and last night the San Siro.

There was a pretty lively atmosphere at The Wanderers for the Fourth Test match thanks to the Barmy Army and the South African supporters who couldn't be described as shy and retiring types.

Mind you they didn't get anywhere near filling the 34,000 seats on offer and in fact only 56,000 went over the four days.

The Super Bowl at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami was dominated by New Orleans Saints fans but despite a few 'Who Dat' shouts it was actually a fairly muted atmosphere compared to other sports.

The Sun Life Stadium holds 75,000 but it didn't seem full and a friend was able to get a ticket in two minutes of arriving at the ground for $800 which is very cheap and quick considering how popular the Super Bowl is.

The atmosphere at the San Siro was electric and Neil and Scary Rob certainly played their part. I must admit Carol and I snuck out early to avoid the post game hour long wait and beat the 85,000 strong crowd to the exits.

I'm looking forward to the Cheltenham 'Roar' at the start of the big races at this year's festival where 60,000 will be in attendance.

But one of the best atmosphere's I've experienced is at TPC Scottsdale the host course of this week's Waste Management Phoenix Open. In part due to the 500,000 spectators and after parties but mainly thanks to the par three 16th hole.

The hole is now surrounded by stands on all four sides and with 40,000 fans in attendance on each day the noise can get seriously loud.

I've witnessed other loud crowds in golf notably at the Ryder Cup, in the New York area and 17th hole at Warwick Hills in Grand Blanc Michigan. Yet none really match the 16th at Scottsdale where the roars can be heard all round the golf course.

A player I've got my eye on at big prices who should be able to deal with the pressure is Kevin Stadler.

Kevin is hitting top form and featured prominently at the Northern Trust Open and last week in Mexico. He lives near the course and although he withdrew after three rounds on his only visit to the tournament in 2008 he was right up with the leaders at the halfway stage.

Recently he said: "I put in a lot of work in the off season. It's certainly paying off."

It's not easy following in the footsteps of a famous golfing father and he admitted, "I've kind of struggled out here just feeling like I really belong out here. It's my fifth year and it's kind of shame it's taken that long to get comfortable."

He was buoyed by Bill Haas's win at the Bob Hope which saw a fellow player live up to his potential and follow a successful father into the winners circle and Kevin will surely do the same sooner rather than later.

I won't be there this year but I'll certainly enjoy watching the 16th hole on television from the comfort of my own home and I'll enjoy a whole lot better if Stadler can get in the mix on the weekend.

Make sure you watch it and if ever get the chance go. Trust me you won't be disappointed.

Harry Emanuel