Among sports greening initiatives, efforts around water are often overshadowed by more visible efforts around recycling/composting, fan engagement, and energy efficiency and renewables. However, large swaths of North America have experienced record drought in the last several years, and water scarcity issues come into even greater focus as the summer heats up. While water issues (and prices) vary greatly by region, there are strategies that are broadly applicable to reduce consumption, waste, and monthly bills.

On this webinar, we will start with a “state of the state” assessment of fresh water in North America, and learn more about innovative ways to support restoration of depleted water sources. We will then hear two case studies: water conservation and efficiency efforts at a major NFL stadium, and an innovative approach to drinking water—sans bottled water—at a large, temporary spectator sports event. We hope you can join us to learn more!

AGENDA

1. Val Fishman—vice president of corporate partnerships, Bonneville Environmental Foundation & Board of Directors, Green Sports Alliance: Welcoming remarks and presenter introductions; the state of freshwater in North America and tools to address it.

2. Henry Rzemieniewski—cleaning operations manager, MetLife Stadium: Water-saving strategies at MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and New York Jets, and signatory of an MOU with the U.S. EPA to asses and reduce environmental impact.

3. Jill Savery—former head of sustainability, America’s Cup Event Authority: Providing clean drinking water for spectators without bottled water or single use plastic at a large, international sporting event.

4. Discussion/Q&A

The webinar takes places tomorrow, July 16, from noon-1 p.m. (CDT). Register Now!

(photo credit: laszlo-photo via photopin cc)

Not a fan of hot dogs, burgers, or brisket covered nachos at baseball games? Maybe you’re more into healthier options without meat. Well, PETA is here to help. The organization released its top 10 most vegetarian-friendly Major League Baseball parks list today. Let’s look at what they said about the top five.

1. AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants)
“The home of the Giants has an ‘expanded roster’ that includes Field Roast frankfurters, portobello sandwiches, made-to-order vegetable tacos and burritos, hummus, and rice, bean, and vegetable bowls with pineapple salsa.”

2. Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies)
“…Hall of Fame–worthy vegan options, including faux-chicken patties, black-bean burgers, and Tony Luke’s broccoli rabe, seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil.”

3. PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates)
…”veggie burgers, fish-free sushi, seaweed salad, vegan coleslaw, and Sloppy Janes..”

4. Citi Field (New York Mets)
“…fans are chowing down on meat-free meals, including Blue Smoke barbecue pit beans, freshly sliced mango sprinkled with chili powder, and V Is for Vegan pizza, in the stands.”

5. Nationals Park (Washington Nationals)
“…roasted cauliflower sandwich and the vegan crab cake, two delicious choices that scored Nationals Park a spot on PETA’s list of vegetarian-friendly ballparks.”

Please visit PETA’s page for the rest of the top 10 list.

(photo credit: dpup via photopin cc)

There was a lot of news this past week. Here are some stories that caught our eyes.

Historic Wrigley Field Wins Approval For A $575 Million Renovation
—Co.Design
“Two major aesthetic updates are on deck for the Friendly Confines, which turned 100 years old earlier this year: Expanding seating in the bleachers and along the infield, and installing seven new signs in the outfield.”

Inside Slant: $1 Billion for ‘Fan Experience’
—ESPN
“…nine stadium renovation projects of varying scope are underway at a projected total cost of more than $1 billion. They range from a $7 million concession update in Tampa Bay to a $350 million facility overhaul in Miami, but in each case, the bulk of the work is targeted toward amenities that improve the fan experience.”

University of Missouri Purchases Downtown Columbia Theatre for $3.7 Million
—University Herald
“The acquisition of Missouri Theater will save the university an estimated $57.8 million in future construction costs.”

Los Angeles Convention Center to Undergo US$10M Renovation
—Exhibition World
“The year-long transformation will begin next month where work will occur around shows and events scheduled in the venue.”

Rodeo, Texans Devise $66 Million Proposal to Demolish Astrodome, Turn it Into Outdoor Park
—KTRK
“If the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Houston Texans get their way, the Astrodome may soon be a structure that can seen only in the history books.”

(Image credit: Restore Wrigley Field)

A championship pedigree and skills honed at one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment holding companies are hallmarks of Chris McGowan. Named Trail Blazers President & Chief Executive Officer in October 2012, McGowan migrated to the Pacific Northwest from Los Angeles-based AEG Sports, where he spent 16 years, including a final assignment as Chief Operating Officer, before becoming one of the NBA’s youngest CEOs.

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German doctors recently treated a man who had blood on the brain after a Motörhead concert. He came to them after complaining of worsening headaches for two weeks. The doctors conducted a cranial CT scan and saw that he had a chronic subdural haematoma on the right side of his brain. They removed the haematoma (blood clot), and he’s recovered.

While headbanging can cause whiplash, neck fractures, and carotid artery dissection, this is the first case showing how it cause bleeding in the brain.

My favorite part of this story, though, is this quote from Dr. Ariyan Pirayesh Islamian, who obviously loves Lemmy’s band.