MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
MetLife Stadium will light up in bright orange, blue, and green lights when the Denver Broncos play the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
The striking display that rings the top of the stadium is powered by LED light bulbs, which are already energy-efficient—but they are made even more so by the power source that runs along the same track. The 1,350 solar panels installed on the ring can generate enough electricity to power the colorful lights and other operations.
MetLife Stadium—home to the New York Jets and the New York Giants—won the bid to host Super Bowl XLVIII one month after it opened in 2010, and the stadium staff have been preparing ever since.
Energy savings are part of the plan: In addition to the solar ring, the stadium has initiated composting, water conservation, and building controls that have helped reduce electricity use by nearly 20 percent over the past three years.
MetLife Stadium is the only one in the U.S. to have lined its circumference with solar, as noted in a 2013 EPA report on the facility's efforts, but it is certainly not alone in boosting sustainability efforts. Several sports facilities in recent years have installed solar panels, efficient lighting, and other measures designed to reduce the impact of their large-scale operations. (See related story: "Super Bowl Caps Banner Season in NFL Green Drive.")
Another part of MetLife's Super Bowl plan: Avoiding a repeat of last year's power outage. The stadium has installed an extra power line and generators to be sure that the game goes on uninterrupted. (See related story: "Keeping the Super Bowl Lights On: An Extra Line, Generators in Place.")
—Angie McPherson, Amy Sinatra Ayres, and Jeff BarkerSuper Bowl's Green Stadiums: MetLife and Others Tackle Energy Efficiency
MetLife Stadium, the site of this year's Super Bowl, and other facilities are leading the way for more energy-efficient game days in the NFL.
