arena opera

Italy doesn't need baseball and night games and Wrigley Field. Italians aren't looking for places where they can take off their shirts and have a beer, knowing full well the beer guy will swing by with another at the next inning. They've got these places already. And believe it or not, they're ancient Roman arenas and the night's event is opera.



Example 1: Shirtless Men

When was the last time you went to an opera and saw a shirtless man? Hell, when's the last time you went to a school play and saw chest hair? Usually, the arts does not intersect with the removal of shirts. But in Italy, you are welcome to watch a world-renowned Opera in four acts, putting your shirt back on only when it's time to leave.



Example 2: Coke Fanta Bi-rra Vi-no!

You know how at Cubs games the guys and gals selling stuff out of coolers have their own little songs? Arena Opera's got those too. They sell Coke, Fanta, beer, wine, Gatorade, ice cream and panini. The prices are right on par with professional sports - 5 euro for a can of Pepsi. And not only do these people circulate throughout the entire arena at intermissions, singing their own jingles - but they sing them in several languages.



Example 3: Inflatables

At baseball games people wield inflatable bats or foam hands that say, "We're #1." At Arena Opera there are inflatable objects and the audience members work as hard as any Dad at the seashore blowing up the stuff. Only these items aren't baseball bats, they're cushions. Because when you're sitting on marble all night long, every little bit helps.

Example 4: Shoes Removed

It's hot, it's late... Who really wants to still have their shoes on? Apparently half of the arena would rather take their shoes off - and do. If you think you need to be wearing shoes to see an opera, you've not seen Arena Opera.