I wanted to throw this out there - for me, how loud a stadium can get is not a primary factor in determining "atmosphere". I enjoy quiet beat downs as much as nail biting cliff-hangers. In fact, I enjoy them more. I do, however, like to see the stands full. So, a full stadium is more important to me than a loud crowd.
I hate to see empty sections as students and fans leave early, and some of those students and fans leave early even in closer games. It's like they have someplace better to be, and they just wanted to put in an appearance at the game for whatever reason.