The United States--Opera Nation?

I would not have thought this:

The U.S. now has 125 opera companies. That’s more than Germany or Italy, and roughly as many Americans attend live opera performances as attend NFL football games.

Jonathan Leaf takes a look at the growth of the art form.

I am not a huge opera fan, but I have been to a few and have enjoyed myself every time. I couldn't deconstruct an opera in the same way I can deconstruct a soccer game, but that doesn't mean it is not worth the effort.