Transforming Los Angeles’ Athletic Landscape
Los Angeles is actively engaged in combating climate change, recognizing it as a moral imperative, an environmental emergency, and an economic opportunity. The city’s commitment to a low-carbon, green-energy future is evident through its Sustainable City plan implemented four years ago. This initiative aims to not only address climate change but also to bolster the city’s economy and ensure equal opportunities for all residents.
The impact of these efforts is already apparent as Los Angeles has emerged as the leading solar city in the United States. Additionally, the city has been at the forefront of adopting innovative transportation technologies, resulting in a notable 11% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within a single year. Furthermore, the implementation of green initiatives has led to the creation of over 35,000 jobs in environmentally sustainable sectors.
Despite these achievements, Los Angeles has not been immune to the adverse effects of climate change. The city has experienced severe heat waves, posing public health risks, and droughts and wildfires that have ravaged Southern California. Considering these challenges, there is a growing consensus that bold and comprehensive action is necessary to address the broader implications of a warming planet.
Professional sports teams have contributed significantly to the battle against climate change, with initiatives like the retrofitting of Lincoln Financial Field, home to the Philadelphia Eagles. “By implementing energy-saving lighting systems, the Eagles have realized substantial savings in electric costs, equivalent to up to five years’ worth” (Energy Efficient Day). This trend has extended to Los Angeles, where teams in the region have started to adopt similar changes, impacting both recreational and commercial facilities.
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In a shift towards environmental sustainability, the spotlight falls on the L.A. Clippers. Influenced by California’s environmental ethos and the team’s recent achievements, the Clippers have decided to break away from the Lakers and establish their own stadium. This new venue, dubbed the Intuit Dome, aims to serve as more than just a sports arena but as a new community hub at the city center. In addition, the Intuit Dome is set to become the first professional sports stadium to achieve a “climate positive” status, marking a significant milestone in sustainable sports infrastructure.
The L.A. Clippers Basketball team is poised to inaugurate the Intuit Dome as their home venue for the 2024-2025 NBA season. Surrounding the facility will be five outdoor courts, a new park, playground, and a variety of restaurants, all contributing to its role as a community outreach program aimed at fostering unity and connection among residents. Noteworthy is the ongoing construction of the arena, which is gradually shaping up to be a hallmark of sustainability. The Intuit Dome will stand out as the first fully solar-powered arena in its class, constructed with sustainable building materials, further exemplifying the Clippers’ commitment to environmental stewardship. The remarks of a long-time clipper fan Ashkon Iravani provide further insight:
As the construction of the Intuit Dome progresses, the Clippers have demonstrated their commitment to community engagement by investing resources into enhancing parks and recreation centers throughout the greater Los Angeles area. An illustrative case is in Granada Hills, located roughly 30 minutes north of the city center. Petit Park stands as a prime example of this initiative, having undergone renovation facilitated by the Clippers’ green deal. Thanks to these efforts, the basketball courts at Petit Park have been refurbished, ensuring they are conducive to play and enjoyment for residents. Eeshan Karwaan, a 16-year-old sophomore attending Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences, was seen playing at the recreation courts at the park. Karwaan was able to help answer questions about the ongoing renovations, showcasing his interest in the local community and its recreational facilities, ” I used to not come play here, it was trash to say the least. Somehow there’s new pavements, a new court, and a new backboard. Over the years, this park has been given a new life, there used to be like 6 of us, but now there’s so many people sometimes, I gotta wait a game even just to play.” The initiative is more than just an idea, it’s a direction down the right path.
While basketball is undeniably making significant strides towards sustainability, recent endeavors within the NFL realm have also made noteworthy contributions. SoFi Stadium, serving as the home venue for both the Rams and the Chargers, stands out as one of the newest and most energy-efficient stadiums in existence. Equipped with a state-of-the-art climate control system, SoFi Stadium effectively regulates temperature and humidity levels within the venue. Furthermore, the implementation of such technology contributes to decreased energy consumption.
In light of recent world events, SoFi Stadium has taken steps to adapt to changing circumstances by transitioning to a completely cashless experience. Even vendors within the stadium now offer contactless payment options, enhancing safety and convenience for attendees. Moreover, SoFi Stadium stands out as the pinnacle of technological innovation in stadium design. Notably, its retractable roof represents a groundbreaking feature, capable of transforming the stadium into a closed dome or an open-air venue, allowing natural light to flood the space. This innovative approach not only offers versatility in accommodating different weather conditions but also creates a unique and immersive experience for fans.
Moreover, Los Angeles is renowned for its diverse array of food options catering to various dietary preferences. Dodger Stadium, for instance, now offers vegan hot dogs, and a plant based burger called ‘the Garden Burger’ which is completely plant based. Additionally the Anaheim Angels stadium is one of the only that sells baked potatoes. All reflecting a growing trend toward plant-based offerings at sports venues. Similarly, other stadiums have followed suit by expanding their plant-based menu selections. The Intuit Dome, for example, plans to incorporate vegan-friendly restaurants throughout its premises, further accommodating patrons with plant-based dietary preferences. Furthermore, SoFi Stadium already provides a range of food options, including the dining terrace on level 4, which specifically caters to plant-based consumers. This has allowed for social media influencers to crack the code and help diversify LA.
Social media plays a part in promoting initiatives aimed at diverse food options at sports venues and engaging with fans regarding their dietary preferences. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter provide venues with the opportunity to showcase vegan and vegetarian menu items, share recipes, and encourage fans to explore plant-based dishes. Additionally, social media influencers and food bloggers often contribute to raising awareness about vegan-friendly options at sports venues. An Instagram account called Essence of Peace, boasting over 500 followers, emphasizes inner self-care and mindfulness while advocating for the benefits of veganism for both physical and mental well-being. The creator, Nick Martin, a lifelong resident of the city, had an opportunity to express his views on the city’s progress and his advocacy efforts,“ I wasn’t always this way…I found something that was more than just food…it’s what your body runs on, it’s what your mind runs on. Choosing to become vegan changed my life and I loved it so dearly, I wanted to help others. I started an Instagram page and post thoughtful messages to others and help those if asked. I love that people are changing and understanding that there is another way to experience life”. Martin also noted that it is because of the various food options that he has chosen to become more willing to attend a sports game in person. “On a side note, i’ve taken my girlfriend out to more sports games recently than I have in the past because of the food options”.
Los Angeles stands at the forefront of a transformative movement towards environmental sustainability in sports. From the implementation of green initiatives in stadiums to the promotion of vegan-friendly dining options, the city’s sports landscape reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Through initiatives such as the Intuit Dome and SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles is setting a new standard for eco-conscious sports venues, demonstrating the potential for sports to not only entertain but also inspire positive change. As the city continues to prioritize sustainability and inclusivity in its sporting endeavors, it serves as a beacon of hope and progress for communities worldwide.
Citizen Justin Lonzo, a resident of Los Angeles for 24 years and an ardent sports enthusiast, offers thoughtful observations regarding the city’s transformations.
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Justin Lonzo Interview