On February 9, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles soared to victory in Super Bowl LIX, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs with a commanding score of 40-22 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Quarterback Jalen Hurts delivered an outstanding performance, leading his team to their first championship since 2018. Beyond the touchdowns and halftime performances, one of the biggest talking points this year is the NFL’s growing commitment to sustainability.
Why Is Sustainability a Concern for the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is a spectacle of massive proportions. From the thousands of fans traveling to the host city to the enormous energy consumption required to broadcast the event, its carbon footprint is significant. Historically, major sporting events like the Super Bowl have generated excessive waste, from single-use plastics in stadiums to the tons of discarded food post-game. However, the NFL has been working towards mitigating these environmental concerns through various sustainability initiatives.
How Is the NFL Making Super Bowl LIX More Sustainable?
The Super Bowl has always been synonymous with excess—millions of viewers, tons of food, and a huge environmental footprint. But in recent years, the NFL has been tackling its sustainability challenges head-on. Here’s how they’re making Super Bowl LIX greener:
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Zero Waste Events – The league is working toward making key Super Bowl events, like the Commissioner’s Party and tailgates, completely waste-free, ensuring at least 90% of waste is diverted from landfills.
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Food Recovery and Donations – After the final whistle, not all leftovers go to waste. The NFL is partnering with local food banks to collect and distribute surplus food, making sure it reaches communities in need instead of landfills.
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Renewable Energy Use – The Caesars Superdome and surrounding venues are relying on solar power and other renewable energy sources to minimize their carbon footprint.
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Oyster Shell Recycling – This year, the NFL is teaming up with local Louisiana organizations to repurpose discarded oyster shells and use them to build artificial reefs, helping restore coastal ecosystems.
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Sustainable Merch & Materials – Everything from fan gear to event signage is being produced with more eco-conscious materials, reducing plastic waste and promoting recycling.
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Carbon Offsetting Programs – The NFL has committed to offsetting carbon emissions by investing in tree-planting programs and other environmental initiatives.
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Sustainable Transportation Options – More electric vehicle charging stations have been installed near the stadium, and fans are encouraged to use public transportation or carpool to reduce emissions.
What Happens to the Losing Team’s Championship Gear?
Even though the Chiefs lost the game, not all is lost—ever wondered where all the pre-made championship merch goes for the team that doesn’t win? Instead of being discarded, these items are donated to international communities in need through partnerships with humanitarian organizations. It’s a win-win—less waste and support for those in need.
How Do Major Sporting Events Influence Sustainability?
The Super Bowl is just one example of how major sporting events are evolving to become more environmentally responsible. Other leagues, including the NBA and MLB, have also been integrating sustainability into their operations. The Olympics, FIFA World Cup, The Green Games held in India and Formula 1 are also under increasing pressure to address their carbon footprints, setting a precedent for global sustainability efforts in sports.
What Are Some of the Biggest Sustainability Challenges?
Despite its progress, the Super Bowl still faces major sustainability challenges:
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High Energy Consumption – Stadiums require massive amounts of power, and even with renewable energy, the overall demand is still high.
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Air Travel Emissions – Fans, teams, and media personnel travel long distances, contributing significantly to carbon emissions.
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Single-Use Plastics – While efforts to reduce them exist, disposable cups, plates, and packaging still create waste.
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Water Usage – From maintaining the field to supplying restrooms and concessions, water usage is enormous.
Can Fans Make a Difference?
Absolutely! While the NFL’s sustainability efforts are commendable, individual fans can also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the Super Bowl or any such large scale event for that matter. Here are some simple ways to be more eco-friendly:
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Choose reusable plates, cups, and bags instead of disposable options at watch parties. Swap plastic bags for tote bags made from organic cotton to make a sustainable style statement.
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Opt for plant-based or locally sourced snacks to reduce carbon emissions from food production.
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Limit food waste by planning portions carefully and storing leftovers properly.
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Recycle or compost packaging and food scraps whenever possible.
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Carpool or use public transportation if heading to a viewing event to cut down on emissions.
Why Does Sustainability Matter for the Super Bowl?
With over 100 million people tuning in, the Super Bowl has the power to influence consumer behavior and corporate responsibility on a massive scale. By showcasing sustainability efforts, the NFL isn’t just reducing its own environmental impact—it’s setting an example for businesses and fans worldwide.
The sustainability movement in sports isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, industries across the board, including professional sports, must take responsibility for their ecological impact. The NFL’s efforts, while not perfect, show that even the most extravagant events can be made more sustainable with conscious planning and innovation.
Final Thoughts: A Super Bowl That Scores Big for the Planet
Super Bowl LIX remains the ultimate game day spectacle, but it’s also evolving into something bigger: a platform for progress. Whether it’s through waste reduction, renewable energy, or innovative recycling programs, the NFL is proving that sustainability and sports can go hand in hand.
So, as you enjoy the thrill of the game, the epic commercials, and the halftime show, take a moment to cheer for the off-field victories as well. Because in the end, a greener Super Bowl means a better future for us all.