I used to volunteer at a wildlife rehab centre here in Canada. Our director had a Great Horned Owl attach itself to her forearm. The only way they finally got the owl to let go was to pour a bucket of cold water over it and the director spent 3 days in the hospital. She said the pain was excruciating.

I transported some young eagles whose nesting tree was blown down in a storm. They were only the size of chickens but were already seriously strong. To carry them into the centre safely (for them and us), it took 4 of of us - 1 to secure the body and wings, 1 to control the head and one to control each leg.

It's a good thing this eagle's training was thorough and everyone had the good sense not to freak out. I'm sure it's a spectacular sight but the possible danger to bird and humans makes it pretty questionable to me.

Maybe they practiced in an empty stadium, but in a full stadium with people and noise, the aesthetics would have changed for the eagle.