Today's Tidbit... Loudspeakers and Lights

Before WWI, few football fields had loudspeakers to announce the happenings on the field. Audio and lighting technologies advanced after WWI, leading to loudspeakers and lighting systems being installed to keep fans informed and allow night games.

A USC cheerleader shouts to Trojan fans with the assistance of the speakers located near the Coliseum sidelines. (1941 USC El Rodeo)

Still, the technologies remained primitive by our standards. The lights were not as bright, and the speakers were not as loud, often leading to them being installed between the field and the stands. Even at relatively big-time football programs, loudspeakers and lighting poles obstructed the view of portions of the field. 

Bucknell had light poles immediately behind the home bench in the late 1940s. (1949 Bucknell L' Agenda)

Arizona had light poles obstructing spectator views in 1956. (1957 Arizona Desert)

Although we glorify a few old stadiums with obstructed views today, no one designing those stadiums or installing lights back then obstructed fan views by choice. It was their only option. 

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