Every year, the Super Bowl isn’t just about the game—it’s a spectacle of entertainment, branding, and energy consumption on an enormous scale. With millions of fans tuning in and thousands of attendees traveling to the host city, the environmental impact of the event is significant. But this year, Super Bowl LIX took steps toward a more sustainable future, implementing various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and set a new standard for major sporting events.

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Greener Stadium, Greener Game

Held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, this year’s Super Bowl made notable progress in sustainability efforts. The stadium itself operates with 100% renewable energy, significantly reducing its reliance on fossil fuels (Energy Matters).

Beyond energy use, waste management was also a top priority. The NFL partnered with local organizations to increase waste diversion, ensuring that leftover food was donated and recyclable materials were properly processed instead of ending up in landfills (Forbes).

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Tackling Transportation Emissions

Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to the event’s carbon footprint. To combat this, the NFL introduced carbon offsets to counteract emissions generated by air travel and ground transportation for players, staff, and attendees. Additionally, the league worked with New Orleans public transit and rideshare companies to encourage the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as providing incentives for fans who opted for sustainable travel (NFL).

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Tree Planting and Carbon Offsets

Super Bowl LIX also focused on reforestation efforts, with a large-scale tree-planting initiative designed to help offset emissions from game-day operations (Evertreen). These projects not only reduce carbon in the atmosphere but also contribute to local biodiversity and urban greening efforts in New Orleans.

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A Sustainable Future for Major Sporting Events?

While the Super Bowl’s sustainability efforts are promising, they also highlight the ongoing challenges of making major sporting events truly green. The reliance on large-scale energy consumption, the environmental cost of travel, and the sheer amount of waste generated remain key areas for improvement. However, the NFL’s continued commitment to sustainability signals a shift in how global events are being planned—one where entertainment and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

At Tese, we understand that sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a long-term commitment that requires real action and measurable impact. As industries, businesses, and even sports organizations take steps toward greener practices, the key will be leveraging data, strategic partnerships, and sustainable financing to make these efforts both scalable and effective.