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by Adam Sharpe
NFL football is by far the number one sport in the United States—at least as far as fan support and revenue goes. So when one of their teams says they want to do something to lessen their impact on the environment it's important to pay attention. Especially when that something is an eco-friendly, green stadium. The San Francisco 49ers have proposed just that.
A stadium is one of the most important things in football. It's the cornerstone of a team—the place where the team and fans call 'home'. Like any home, it's usually better to eco-renovate than completely rebuild green. But if there is going to be a new stadium, of course green is better. The 49ers franchise is proposing a green stadium to the Santa Clara City Council that would include solar panels, a green roof and using recycled building materials.
Why An Eco-Friendly Football Stadium is So Important
The stadium would house tens of thousands of fans who come to support their team but also go home realizing that they too can do something to help the environment. The stadium will be talked about and seen on TV and sports media by millions, with a chance to be seen in one of the most watched television events—The Super Bowl. Hopefully, the eco-friendly theme is something that catches on with other teams and other sports. Football is a big business and an influential one. Countless children and adults look up to sports teams and their players. Since they are such a big part of people's lives, the franchise, the teams, and players can show why living an environmentally friendly life style is important. Then the fans, including some who normally don't hear about green issues, will be exposed to a greener way of life—and of playing sports. I for one would love to see my local team, the Washington Redskins, do the same when they build a new stadium.
Deciding on a Green Stadium
Currently the Santa Clara City Council is setting up a date for a ballot measure and an environmental impact report is expected in the next few weeks. Most likely the ballot measure won't be until the beginning of next year. But in the meantime you can contact the city council to you are interested in this issue that an eco-friendly stadium is important to you. Discussions might present even more ways that the stadium can be eco-friendly, cost-friendly, and beneficial. You might think this is a no-brainer, but not everyone agrees. Check out some of the naysayers' comments. Positive support could make sure the stadium goes green and maybe lead to an eco-friendly stadium in your area.
How You Can Support Eco-Friendly Football Stadiums
- Tell the San Francisco 49ers to consider eco-renovating their old stadium (Don't forget to thank them for going green in the first place)
- Let the Santa Clara City Council know that you'd support a green stadium (especially if you actually life in Santa Clara)
- Ask your local sports team to consider a green renovation
- Tell the NFL that all new stadiums should be green.
More on being a green sports fan
Stuff Happens: Sports
How to Go Green: Sports
Treehugger Slideshow: 10 Superstar Athletes Who Don't Eat Meat
Philadelphia Eagles the Greenest Team in Pro Sports?
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
