It’s the biggest event on the North American gridiron football calendar – and this year’s Super Bowl is partly powered by solar energy.
In just a couple of hours time, the Denver Broncos will do battle with the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League (NFL) 2016 Super Bowl 50. It’s a massive event witnessed by many millions; and one where advertisers spend up to USD $5 million for a 30-second ad during the TV broadcast.
This year’s Super Bowl is being held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California; home of the San Francisco 49ers.
Levi’s Stadium holds a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certificate and is the first newly-constructed professional football stadium in the USA to receive this distinction.
Among its environmental credentials is solar power. 1,150 solar panels are installed across three systems, with a combined capacity of 375 kilowatts. The solar panels collectively generate enough clean electricity in a year to meet the power needs of all ten of the 49ers home games.
As well as providing electricity, two of the systems also act as canopies that offer much-appreciated shade to spectators.
Other green features of the facility include the use of reclaimed wood and other recycled/reclaimed materials in its construction.
Reclaimed water is used for non-potable applications including irrigation of the playing field. Water is further conserved through low-flow fixtures, which save up to 40% of the precious liquid.
A 2,500 square metre green roof includes a garden featuring 16 drought tolerant plant species. The green roof helps to cool the stadium.
The site also provides easy access to public transportation and bike paths.
A live dashboard display situated between the 49ers museum and team store displays current energy measurements, water and air monitoring data, and other dynamic green features as the building operates.
Levi’s Stadium has been referred to as being “among the most environmentally intelligent sports venues in the world.”
Trivia: as there’s no bowling involved; the name of the event is quite curious. According to Wikipedia, the first “bowl” event was held in 1902 at the Rose Bowl Stadium, named for its shape – and the “bowl” name stuck. There are a number of “bowl” events throughout the USA’s NFL calendar.
