Solar powered sports stadiums

When you think of a day at the ballpark, what do you think of? The crack of the bat? Paying $7 for an ice cream that will end up on your child’s equally overpriced team shirt instead of in their mouth, all so they can collect the souvenir cup that they’re just going to lose anyway? Regardless of what you think about now, a growing number of teams are adding another attraction to their venues and your nostalgia – solar arrays. According to a recent report by the Solar Energy Industries Association, 37 venues in the United States alone have solar capabilities, totaling 46 MW of power in summation. 
 

Renowned solar sports stadiums

MetLife Stadium is the home to the New York Giants and Jets, was listed as the top 10 most energy efficient stadiums by Energy Digital. The stadium consumes 30% less energy due to LED lighting and lighting controls powered by a “solar ring” of 1,350 solar panels. It has energy-efficient windows, concession equipment, and HVAC technologies that decrease energy demand and maintain performance for its refrigerators and air conditioning.

The New York Jet’s Atlantic Health Training Facility saves energy through 3,000 solar panels, a three-phased LED lighting, and interior fixtures, just to name a few.

CenturyLink Field is the home of the Seattle Seahawks. This field has a sustainability program that results in a 21% decrease in energy costs yearly. The stadium uses high-efficiency lighting in concession stands, restrooms, and storage spaces. It has over 3,500 solar panels that harvest electricity equivalent to power 95 Seattle-area homes for a year. The stadium uses a cool roof to decrease heat absorption and building energy costs. 

Lincoln Financial Field is the home of the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s been called the “greenest” stadiums in the world.  Through conservation programs, like the building management system and a commissioning of the building, the team decreased its energy bills by 33%.

M&T Bank Stadium is the home of the Baltimore Ravens. This stadium is the first stadium to be LEED Gold certified. It’s 27% more energy efficient than the national average. The stadium adheres to a sustainable purchasing policy that purchases include recycled, renewable, and ENERGYSTAR labeled products for the building. The additions should should produce around 15% of the team’s electricity needs. 

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the residence of the Atlanta Falcons. The stadium saves 29% in energy usage compared to a typical stadium design. The savings could be up to $900,000 yearly.

In addition, it’s captures over 1 million gallons of rainwater, that aides a long-standing flooding concern in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhood, irrigation and the stadium’s cooling system. Over 4,000 solar panels have been installed at Mercedes-Benz stadium.
 

Boston is a solar example

Boston is the only city to feature professional teams in each major sport that all have solar capabilities, adding another championship to the city’s storied dominance. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons boasts the ability produce enough power for 10 Falcons home games. This falls just short of powering an entire Super Bowl run, assuming home-field advantage, something the Falcons are quite familiar with.  In fact, in the NFL, solar has attained a championship pedigree. Of the six teams to play in the last five Super Bowls, four of them boast solar capabilities – The Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons.

To learn more, feel free to check out this blog. 

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