NRG and New Meadowlands Stadium Company 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.
Under the agreement, NRG (NYSE: 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 preseason 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 about 1,500 individual panels manufactured by Atlantis Energy Systems of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., 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 that 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 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 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 Giants. "The largest football stadium in the NFL, the only one to house two teams, also proudly displays the most technologically advanced infrastructure and is 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 gameday 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 so in 2014 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 metlifestadium.com.
