MEDIA ADVISORY
University of Phoenix Stadium, Big Red Go Green
Every Arizona Cardinals home game will be powered by clean, renewable energy
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Sept. 8, 2009) University of Phoenix has teamed up with hometown energy provider Salt River Project (SRP) to power every Arizona Cardinals home game this season with 100 percent renewable energy.
The Arizona Cardinals are one of only a few NFL teams to play in a green-powered facility this year. During each of the eight home games and two pre-season home games SRP's EarthWise Energy program will provide 113,500 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy purchased by University of Phoenix, which will offset electricity used in the stadium -- from the concession stands to the parking lot lighting to the scoreboards. This amount of electricity, 1,135,000 kilowatt hours over the course of ten games, is comparable to what 60 average homes in Phoenix will use annually.
"University of Phoenix has a long-term commitment to sustainability and the environment," said
Dr. William Pepicello, president of University of Phoenix. "Offsetting the electricity use with clean, renewable energy at University of Phoenix Stadium during every home game this year will have a lasting impact on the environment."
University of Phoenix Stadium's green efforts started in early 2008, with the electricity needed to power Super Bowl XLII and the NFL Experience generated from 100 percent renewable energy resources through SRP's EarthWise Program. Additionally, University of Phoenix purchased renewable energy credits to power the Cardinals home game versus the San Francisco 49ers on November 11, 2008.
"SRP commends the University of Phoenix for their commitment to renewable energy," said Richard Hayslip, associate general manager of SRP. "Providing green energy to offset the electricity used to power the games is an excellent opportunity to educate the public about the importance of renewable energy."
Additionally, stadium operator Global Spectrum, in partnership with Sierra Waste, Gorilla Equipment, the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), implemented a recycling program at University of Phoenix Stadium in 2006, consisting of placing containers to collect products for recycling on every level in the stadium, in club lounges and corporate lofts, and even provides recycling plastic bags for tailgaters.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. During the quarter ending May 31, 2009, 420,700 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world.
About SRP
Salt River Project (SRP) is the largest provider of power to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving more than 930,000 electricity customers, and is also the nation's third-largest public power utility provider. To date, 6 percent of the energy generated for SRP customers comes from renewable and sustainable sources.
