Opinion: Will empty stands change bettng lines and performance? Boop doesn't think so

So, they are going to be playing games of all sorts in front of empty stands it seems and you are wondering “How will this affect me as a bettor?” (And if you are not wondering that, then proceed directly to the “I Have A Life” square and don’t lose $200.)

To us, home field advantage at the high college and professional level has long been more about the travel and routine (or lack there of) than it has been about, say a Veterans Stadium crowd having something to do with a Burt Hooton implosion.

It would be easy to think that playing in front of no fans would have some effect on the lines and the quality of play when performing competitive athletic feats in front of 20,000 empty seats instead of 20,000 (or however many) full seats. But it shouldn’t.

Here’s why:

For the athletes we watch and often wager on, they spend about 95 percent of their time working on their craft with no one in the stands. Often times, without stands. Sometimes without walls.

If you are a hockey player whose parents have been getting up at 5 a.m. to get you to practice since you were barely three feet tall and have made it this far, does whom or how many are watching really matter? Don't think so.

You have honed your craft. You have an opponent to beat (and then nod your head toward afterwards, keeping a safe distance). You do the absolute best you can for your teammates, your sport, your self.

And not for that guy in the ninth row. Whether he is there or not.