Custom-built solar ring to power home of New York Football Giants and
New York Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. & PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2011--
NRG (NYSE: NRG) and New Meadowlands Stadium Company today announced a
new sponsorship agreement that will bring sustainable solar power to
MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Jets and New York Football Giants,
two iconic National Football League franchises.
NRG Energy and New Meadowlands Stadium Company today announced a new sponsorship agreement that will bring sustainable solar power to MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Jets and New York Football Giants. (Photo: Business Wire)
Under the agreement, NRG will design, install and operate a custom solar
power generating system—the Solar Ring—that will add a striking visual
element encircling the top of the stadium. The Solar Ring will have the
ability to display team colors and an array of additional hues to meet
the needs of visiting events, including concerts and college sporting
contests. Construction will begin in the spring of 2012, with an
expected completion date of August 2012, prior to the first pre-season
football game.
In addition, NRG will provide all of the additional electricity for the
82,500-seat stadium starting in June 2012.
“A ‘green vision’ for MetLife Stadium dates back to the very beginning
phase of our initial development,” said Mark Lamping, President and CEO
of MetLife Stadium. “In 2012, sustainable solar power will become an
actuality, and we are pleased to enter into this significant endeavor
with NRG Energy.”
NRG, one of the largest power generation companies in the nation, is a
leader in providing cleaner energy solutions to American businesses and
consumers. It is also the largest solar power company in the United
States with more than 900 megawatts of solar generation in operation or
under construction by the end of 2011 with an additional 1,000 megawatts
in development.
“This extraordinary installation on the biggest stadium in the NFL, home
to two of America’s most iconic sports franchises, will create a unique
solar imprint on the consciousness of sports fans across the greater New
York region and nationwide,” said David Crane, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Princeton, N.J.-based NRG. “We are pleased to be
partners of the Giants and the Jets in demonstrating for millions to see
the innovative ways that solar energy can be used to help power our
nation.”
The solar power system, consisting of approximately 1,500 individual
panels manufactured by Atlantis Energy Systems of Poughkeepsie, New
York, will be able to generate nearly 25 times the amount of electricity
needed to power the integrated LED lighting and display system.
The panels will be assembled into 52 modules that will be raised to the
top level of the stadium and bolted into a steel superstructure which
will also provide shelter from rain and snow.
“Our goal is to provide our fans with the best possible game-watching
experience, one that is exciting, enjoyable and environmentally
conscious,” said Woody Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
the New York Jets. “Our partnership with NRG illustrates our commitment
to this cause as we continue to explore eco-friendly initiatives to make
MetLife Stadium the best in the world.”
“We are pleased to team up with NRG, a company that possesses the power
to improve our Stadium’s environmental impact,” said John Mara,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Football Giants.
“NRG provides the necessary skills and experience to execute this
game-changing endeavor, which has a welcomed place at MetLife Stadium.”
“MetLife Stadium is no stranger to unique, trendsetting innovation,”
said Steve Tisch, Chairman and Executive Vice President of the New York
Football Giants. “The largest football stadium in the NFL—the only to
house two teams—also proudly displays the most technologically advanced
infrastructure and now dedicated to the identification and exploration
of new, cutting-edge eco-friendly ventures.”
About NRG
NRG is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use
energy. A Fortune 500 company, NRG is a pioneer in developing cleaner
and smarter energy choices for our customers: whether as one of the
largest solar power developers in the country, or by building the first
privately funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure or by giving
customers the latest smart energy solutions to better manage their
energy use. Our diverse power generating facilities can support over 20
million homes and our retail electricity providers—Reliant, Green
Mountain Energy Company and Energy Plus—serve more than two million
customers. More information is available at nrgenergy.com.
About MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Football Giants,
sets the standard for venue excellence, with state-of-the-art
technology, comfort and amenities. The only active venue to serve as the
home stadium for two NFL teams, MetLife Stadium hosts 20 NFL games per
season, more than any other Stadium.
With a full, game-day seating capacity of 82,500, MetLife Stadium is the
largest stadium in the National Football League. It boasts numerous
dining options and a rail line that drops fans and event-goers directly
at the front door. During its inaugural year in 2010, MetLife Stadium
was selected to host Super Bowl XLVIII and in 2014, the venue will
become history’s first open-air venue in a cold-weather region to hold
football’s biggest game.
In 2011, MetLife Stadium was ranked No. 1 for safety by Security
magazine’s “Security 500” in the Arenas/Stadiums/Leagues/ Entertainment
division, and for the second consecutive year was cited by Billboard
magazine as the highest-grossing stadium in the United States.
For more information, visit www.metlifestadium.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50109764&lang=en
Source: NRG
NRG Media
Stephen Morisseau,
713-537-2156
Lori Neuman, 609-524-4525
or
Metlife
Stadium
Alice McGillion, 212-843-8039