In February 2024, the world watched as the Super Bowl unfolded in all its glory. The event captured the attention of millions, as the Kansas City Chiefs clinched the championship over the San Francisco 49ers. Hosted in Las Vegas and home to the Vegas Raiders, 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.
Las Vegas and Solar energy
Las Vegas, known for its dazzling lights and vibrant energy, has been steadily embracing sustainable living initiatives. With a commitment to powering the city with 100% renewable energy, Las Vegas has become a shining example of environmental stewardship. With an average of 310 sunny days each year, Nevada stands as a prime location for solar energy production, boasting numerous solar fields, including the world’s largest solar concentrating facility, Ivanpah. According to SEIA, the city has enough solar installed to power 1,150,989 homes, making it the prime candidate for a solar-powered Super Bowl!
The Super Bowl’s Energy Consumption
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. According to an article from TIME Magazine, the Super Bowl requires nearly 38 GWh (gigawatt hours) of energy, including consumption of at-home viewers, which is enough energy to power over 33.2 million homes or over 3.8 billion LED light bulbs! Through operations at the stadium itself, including the 80,000 attendees and the millions of people watching from home, the event consumes large quantities of energy every year.
Making the Switch to Solar
To further expand on Las Vegas’ sustainability initiatives, Allegiant Stadium has entered into a 25-year agreement to purchase its power from a local solar farm owned by NV Energy. According to an article from CBS News, “CEO Doug Cannon said that the solar installation would supply more than 10 megawatts of power for the Super Bowl. This amount of energy is roughly equivalent to the consumption of 46,000 homes.”
According to the Vegas Raiders president, Sandra Douglass Morgan, sustainability was top of mind when initially constructing the stadium. The roof is made of plastic, which allows for 10% of daylight to come through but keeps the solar energy from heating the stadium, allowing for more efficient cooling. Additionally, the field grass is set up on a rail system for growth through natural sunlight rather than artificial lighting indoors. Similarly, everything from food scraps and grass trimmings is composted and converted into other forms of energy.
People sometimes get nervous about renewable power because they’re not sure if it’s going to be reliable. The fact that renewable power can power a facility like this reliably should speak volumes about what could happen in other communities
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm
The Future is Solar
As we reflect on the historic green milestone of the 2024 Super Bowl, it’s clear that the future of energy is bright. The Super Bowl LVIII is a testament to what can be achieved when we harness the power of nature. It’s a reminder that even the largest of events can be powered sustainably, without compromising on quality or experience. It is not only our right but our duty to work towards a future where clean energy powers not only our entertainment but our entire way of life. Start the conversation around going solar with our knowledgeable consultants by booking your no-cost consultation today!
