Climate change is set to take a major toll on NFL stadiums, with projected losses of $11 billion by 2050, according to a new report by Climate X.
Damage could come from flooding, wildfires, and extreme weather events, especially for coastal stadiums.
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, due to its exposure to flooding, could suffer the highest losses, with estimated damages surpassing $5.6 billion, reported NBC News. Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles and Arizona’s State Farm Stadium also rank among the most vulnerable.
Not all stadiums face equal risks.
Lumen Field in Seattle and Lambeau Field in Wisconsin are better protected thanks to their inland locations and lower exposure to heat-related risks.
Some teams have already adopted climate-focused solutions.
Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas powered the Super Bowl entirely with renewable energy, while Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium boasts energy-efficient designs to reduce power consumption.
The report calls on stadiums, local governments, and sports organizations to implement adaptive measures in response to shifting climate patterns.
Climate X emphasizes that climate change will increasingly affect previously unaffected areas, making adaptation a crucial priority.
The impact of Hurricane Milton on Tropicana Field, which tore off the roof, highlights the urgent need for these measures. As the stadium is slated for demolition to make way for a new facility, the challenges it faced underscore the growing risks to sports infrastructure.
This article was written with assistance from artificial intelligence.