I can't find anything, but I remember reading that when the Olympics were at Salt Lake City, during the opening ceremonies disposable film point-n-shoots were given to ever single spectator, and they were asked to take photos throughout the event. The goal was not to get people to take photos, but to get the flashes to go off, which looked pretty spectacular to see so many flashes bursting in the stands throughout the event.

I'm sure most events aren't the same but I think it's an interesting perspective to why to fire the flash.

I can't find anything, but I remember reading that when the Olympics were at Salt Lake City, during the opening ceremonies disposable film point-n-shoots were given to every single spectator, and they were asked to take photos throughout the event. The goal was not to get people to take photos, but to get the flashes to go off, which looked pretty spectacular to see so many flashes bursting in the stands throughout the event.

I'm sure most events aren't the same but I think it's an interesting perspective to why to fire the flash.