green is universal

By Nicole Walters, GreenIsUniversal.com

This is actually the 15th year that the NFL has hosted a Super Bowl with green elements linked to the festivities, but this is the first time that 100% of the energy used for the game will come from renewable resources. That includes powering the University of Phoenix Stadium, the NFL Experience Football Theme Park and two hotels hosting guests in town for the game and other events.

Salt River Project (SRP) is the local power supplier that is selling the game its clean energy from sources like solar, wind, landfill gas, geothermal and low-head hydro through its EarthWise Energy program. In a recent press release, Lori Singleton, SRP Manager of Sustainable Initiatives and Technologies said, "The Super Bowl is a huge event for Arizona, and all eyes will be on the state. Providing green energy to the game is an excellent opportunity to showcase our state's commitment to clean energy resources and to educate the public about the importance of renewable energy." And once the game is over and gone, the SRP EarthWise Energy program will continue to be available to residential and business customers who are interested in being green and investing in clean renewable energy.

In addition to these green efforts, the National Football League and the Arizona Super Bowl XLII Host Committee will be working with local, state and national partners to plant trees on 96 acres of land devastated by recent wild fires.

The University of Phoenix Stadium is also an example of modern, green building. The stadium's sleek design is inspired by the natural form of a barrel cactus. Among some of its greener features is offering maximum sun exposure to the retractable 94,000 square foot natural grass playing field while providing maximum shade for its patrons. The 160 acres surrounding the stadium includes plenty of open space and grass for all of your tailgating needs -- just be sure to recycle all those cans and bottles!

If this hasn't gotten you pumped enough to see the greenest Super Bowl in history, take a look at the video below of some of Sundays players talking about their green efforts.

Nicole Walters
GreenIsUniversal.com