The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game, and the halftime spectacle—the Super Bowl is more than just an event; it’s an American cultural phenomenon. But in 2024, Super Bowl LVIII made history for more than touchdowns and halftime performances. It became the greenest Super Bowl yet, with groundbreaking sustainability initiatives that redefined how major sports events can balance spectacle and environmental responsibility.

Picture this: solar panels powering the stadium, fans sipping beverages from biodegradable cups, and local communities benefiting from urban green spaces funded by the NFL. The Super Bowl wasn’t just about football—it was a statement about the future of sports in a world grappling with climate change. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the question arises: Can the NFL push the envelope even further?

NFL’s Sustainability Initiatives in 2024

From the very first Super Bowl in 1967, the sporting event has gained popularity through the years to become the world’s most-watched program in 2024, according to the official NFL website. The story doesn’t end here! The Super Bowl LVIII is a testament to what can be achieved when we harness the power of nature.

1. Green Energy at Allegiant Stadium: A Game-Changer for Sustainability: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas wasn’t just a venue; it was a sustainability marvel. The stadium utilized 100% renewable energy for game day operations, powered by solar installations and advanced energy storage systems. Even the glittering lights of the Vegas Strip couldn’t outshine the green energy milestones achieved inside the arena.

Impact: Following the implementation of the NV Energy Agreement in 2023, energy-related emissions reduced to 30% for the full year. Looking ahead to 2024, assuming no change in Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions, the Raiders’ emissions were projected to reach a 68% reduction – a remarkable achievement in only two years.

• Carbon-Neutral Commitment: For the first time, the NFL achieved a carbon-neutral Super Bowl. This milestone was made possible through rigorous carbon offset programs, including investments in renewable energy projects and reforestation initiatives.
• Renewable Energy Utilization: The Allegiant Stadium took a stand for sustainability in 2024, marking a historic milestone as it became the first-ever major sporting event powered entirely by solar energy. It has incorporated green infrastructure elements and energy-efficient systems, contributing to its LEED Gold certification and reduced environmental impact. The stadium achieved LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council on June 26, 2023.
• Super Bowl LVIII Community Greening Program: The NFL partnered with local organizations to plant trees at Henderson’s Arroyo Grande Sports Complex, contributing to over a dozen greening projects in the Las Vegas area.
• NFL Draft Reforestation in Detroit: The league collaborated with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to plant over 5,180 trees, restoring forested areas and promoting long-term environmental sustainability. Fun Fact: This equals 20 trees for each player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.

2. A Zero-Waste Game Day: The NFL partnered with environmental organizations to eliminate single-use plastics from the event. Compostable cups, biodegradable cutlery, and digital ticketing replaced traditional waste-generating practices. Recycling stations were placed every 50 feet, ensuring fans actively participated in the green initiative.

• Fun Fact: Super Bowl LVII was the closest we’ve been to achieving a zero waste Super Bowl with 92.6% of event-associated with trash diverted away landfills—a record-breaking achievement. As of now, specific data regarding the waste diversion rate achieved during Super Bowl LVIII in 2024 at Allegiant Stadium has not been publicly disclosed.

3. Sustainable Transportation: Keeping excited fans on the move with sustainable practices? Hell, yeah! A robust sustainable transportation strategy ensured fans traveled to the game with a reduced carbon footprint. Electric shuttles, subsidized public transit options, and a bike-sharing program significantly helped cut transportation emissions. However, the exact percentage hasn’t been publicly disclosed.

• Highlight: During Super Bowl LVIII, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) reported that their transit initiatives eliminated over 27 tons of carbon monoxide emissions in 2023 through programs like electric bus routes and carpool incentives. These ongoing efforts contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of large-scale events in Las Vegas.

4. Community Legacy Projects: The NFL Green initiative didn’t stop at the stadium. It left a lasting legacy in Las Vegas through urban reforestation projects, community gardens, and renewable energy installations in underprivileged neighborhoods. These projects not only offset emissions but also improved the quality of life for local residents.

What to Expect from the NFL’s Green Playbook in 2025

As the NFL builds on the success of Super Bowl 2024, the 2025 season promises to take sustainability to new heights. Here’s a glimpse of what’s on the horizon:

1. Scaling Renewable Energy Across All Stadiums: Following Allegiant Stadium’s success, the NFL plans to retrofit other venues with renewable energy solutions. While the NFL has not mandated a league-wide retrofit of all stadiums with renewable energy solutions, the trend indicates a growing commitment to sustainability within the organization.

From solar-powered scoreboards to wind energy systems, the goal is to make every NFL game a step toward carbon neutrality. Several stadiums have already implemented renewable energy solutions:

• SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles): Utilized extensive solar panel installations to offset a significant portion of its energy needs and employs advanced water conservation technologies, including low-flow fixtures and specialized irrigation systems.
• Yankee Stadium (New York): Achieved near-complete waste diversion through comprehensive composting and recycling programs, transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich soil for city parks.
• Fenway Park (Boston): Implemented energy-efficient LED lighting upgrades and engages fans in sustainability initiatives, contributing to reduced energy consumption and increased environmental awareness.
• Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara): Implemented a state-of-the-art irrigation system that uses reclaimed water to maintain field turf, saving approximately 50 million gallons annually. In addition to this, the stadium has enhanced sustainability with solar panels on its roof and parking areas, generating enough energy to power all 49ers home games and reducing grid reliance.
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta): The stadium features over 4,000 solar panels that collectively generate approximately 1.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is enough to power more than nine Atlanta Falcons home games and 13 Atlanta United home matches.
• Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle): Achieved zero-waste status by eliminating single-use plastics and diverting 90% of waste from landfills, setting a new standard for sustainable event spaces.
• U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis): Adopted strict energy conservation practices and a zero-waste policy, diverting nearly 90% of waste from landfills through composting and recycling.
• Empower Field at Mile High (Denver): Implemented comprehensive waste management and recycling programs, significantly reducing the stadium’s environmental footprint.
• Lumen Field (Seattle): Utilizes a rainwater harvesting system and eco-certified design features to minimize water usage and promote sustainability.

2. NFL Green: As of the 2025 NFL season, the league continues to advance its sustainability initiatives through its comprehensive environmental program, NFL Green. This program focuses on mitigating the environmental impact of major NFL events and fostering positive “green” legacies in host communities. Key areas of emphasis include:

• Food Recovery: Partnering with local food banks to donate unserved food from events, thereby reducing waste and supporting communities in need.
• Community Greening: Implementing projects such as tree plantings and the creation of community gardens to enhance green spaces in host cities.
• Material Recovery: Collaborating with community partners to repurpose materials like décor fabric and building supplies from events, diverting significant waste from landfills.

In preparation for Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the host committee is executing comprehensive plans to power the event with clean energy and is partnering with organizations like Second Harvest to promote sustainability.

Additionally, the NFL is addressing the potential financial risks associated with climate change. A recent report by Climate X indicates that NFL stadiums could face up to $11 billion in cumulative climate-related losses by 2050 under high-emission scenarios. This projection underscores the importance of the league’s ongoing and future sustainability efforts.

4. Enhanced Waste Management Innovations: AI-driven waste management technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent, with innovations like Texas Christian University’s Oscar Sort machine leading the charge in optimizing waste disposal. Although the NFL has not officially announced plans to adopt such systems, fans can remain hopeful that similar cutting-edge solutions will soon find their way into NFL stadiums, enhancing sustainability efforts league-wide.

5. A Commitment to Transparency: As of now, the NFL has not announced plans to publish an annual sustainability report detailing its environmental impact, successes, and areas for improvement. However, individual teams have taken steps in this direction. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles release an annual sustainability report, highlighting their environmental initiatives and progress. Fans can hope to see such a comprehensive report post-2025 season.

While specific new initiatives for the 2025 season have not been publicly detailed, the NFL’s sustained commitment to environmental stewardship is evident through its existing programs and the proactive measures being taken for upcoming events. Do you have innovative ideas or insights to enhance sustainability in sports? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!