Allianz Field is always a sight to behold when it lights up Midway, but on September 9, all that beauty will be powered by purely renewable energy thanks to our friends at Xcel Energy.
Renewable energy. What a great word, along with sustainability and natural resources. But what does all that actually mean?
We’ve all sat through middle school science lessons on how burning fossil fuels release greenhouse gases that negatively impact Earth’s long-term viability. We won’t rehash all that here, but the gist is that the renewable energy movement is combatting that deterioration by harnessing naturally replenishing sources of fuel. Coal and petroleum are finite resources, but when we source solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, we utilize the world’s constantly recurring phenomena to fuel our power grids and keep the planet safer, cleaner, and healthier.
In the state of Minnesota, our energy mix is roughly 33% renewable, with 55% of power produced by zero-carbon sources. That blend is in large part due to Xcel Energy, which is Minnesota’s leading energy provider and sources 40% of its energy mix from wind and solar sources, plus another 10% in carbon-free nuclear energy.
Minnesota United and Allianz Field are committed to sustainable practices year-round, both within and outside of the renewable energy space. General Manager of Allianz Field Justin Borrell shared his reflections on the stadium’s environmental impact.
“Since opening in 2019, Allianz Field has reduced its environmental impact through sustainable design, including redevelopment of a former brownfield site, reduced steel usage, and extensive green space,” Borell said. “Today, the stadium conserves resources through a large-scale rainwater reuse system, energy-efficient LED lighting, and transit-friendly infrastructure. Its waste diversion programs regularly keep more than 70% of event waste out of landfills while some strategic partnerships have provided new opportunities in limiting food waste and properly recycling electronics at the end of their life cycle.”
Xcel Energy’s Renewable Connect Flex program allows subscribing homes, businesses, and communities to source more of their energy from local wind and solar farms, supporting local sustainable energy efforts with flexible options to fit individual budgets and goals. This program will ensure that Allianz Field runs entirely on renewable energy on gameday as Minnesota United takes to the pitch opposite FC Dallas. Additionally, all fans will receive an LED nightlight to support sustainability efforts at home.
The club and stadium continue to seek and implement methods of achieving long-term sustainability goals, and we’re grateful to our partners at Xcel Energy for helping us do it.
