by Ann Withanee — December 30, 2011—When the 2012 football season opens, there will be something new to cheer about at the MetLife Stadium: the Solar Ring, a custom solar power generating system that will add a striking visual element encircling the top of the stadium. The Solar Ring is the result of an agreement between NRG and New Meadowlands Stadium Company. The two organizations have announced that their new sponsorship agreement will bring sustainable solar power to MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Jets and New York Giants, two iconic National Football League franchises.
Under the agreement, NRG, one of the largest power generation companies in the nation, will design, install and operate a custom solar power generating system—the Solar Ring. Besides being a recognizable element that rings 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.
The solar power system, consisting of approximately 1,500 individual panels manufactured by Atlantis Energy Systems, 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.
With a full, game-day seating capacity of 82,500, MetLife Stadium is the largest stadium in the National Football League in terms of permanent seating capacity. It boasts numerous dining options and a rail line that drops fans and event-goers directly at the front door.
“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.”
“This extraordinary installation on the biggest stadium in the NFL 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 NRG.
NRG, one of the largest power generation companies in the United States, is a leader in providing cleaner energy solutions, with more than 900 megawatts of solar generation in operation or under construction by the end of 2011 and an additional 1,000 megawatts in development.
