CITYPARK Achieves Zero Waste After Two Early-Season Matches
In the lead up to Earth Day and its sustainability match on Sunday, CITY SC is launching its Goal: ZERO campaign to inspire staff, fans, and the general community about the impacts and ability of everyone to reduce landfill waste and single-use plastics.
Less than one year after launching its goal of zero-waste matches and eliminating single-use consumer plastic in CITYPARK, St. Louis CITY SC has hosted its first two zero-waste matches at CITYPARK, diverting more than 95% of waste away from the landfill after two of its recent sold-out matches.
After demonstrating the ability to reach zero waste by eliminating single-use plastic bottles and cups, and through on-site recycling, composting, and food donation, CITY SC is now seeking to secure zero waste status for all its matches at CITYPARK, which means continuously diverting over 90% of waste away from the landfill.
“In my 10+ years working in global soccer, I must’ve been to 50+ stadiums around the world, spanning all continents. And I’ve never seen anything like CITYPARK’s commitment to delivering real environmental sustainability, with no single-use plastic available in our concessions and with on-site recycling and composting after every match,” said Diego Gigliani, STL CITY SC President and GM. “Inspired by our ownership group’s desire to always do the right thing, we’re immensely proud of the work of our staff, partners and fans who have all contributed to our initial success in running waste-free matches. Through our Goal: ZERO pledge, we’re doubling down on this and pushing ourselves to achieve this consistently.”
“According to Waste Dive, the average stadium collects about 1 to 2 lbs. of trash per person at each event,” said Samantha Thompson, St. Louis CITY SC’s Director of Sustainability and Facility Services. “Instead, at CITYPARK, we have generated thousands of pounds of compost and avoided purchasing over 645,000 plastic cups and bottles in 2023 alone. We want to show how we all can reduce waste in our everyday lives by reducing single-use plastic and through recycling, composting, and increasing the life cycle of consumer goods.”
CITY SC will feature Goal: ZERO and other highlights at its sustainability-focused match on Sunday, April 14 vs Austin FC.
In its Our CITY commitment to sustainability, CITYPARK has implemented the following sustainable practices:
- No plastic bottles, cups and single-use bags sold in CITYPARK
- On-site recycling and compost sorting and collection center
- 100% compostable food containers, flatware, and paper products served by its 25 local restaurant and concession partners
- Beverages are served in aluminum bottles, cans, and cups thanks to innovative partnerships with Pepsico and Anheuser-Busch
- Anheuser-Busch Green Team ambassadors help fans sort into one of CITYPARK’s 211 custom multi-stream waste receptacles at every home match
- Perishable food leftover from matches is donated to Operation Food Search and distributed to area food banks
- Restroom papers towels are 100% compostable
St. Louis CITY SC’s Sustainability Match in celebration of Goal: ZERO and Earth Day sponsored by Edward Jones
- Sunday, April 14, 2024; 3:30 p.m. kickoff
- Fans will be encouraged to take Metro Transit or rideshare to the match
- Giveaway: Reusable canvas tote, sponsored by Edward Jones, for the first 10,000 fans who enter CITYPARK
- Free pre-match CITY Block Party on Lou Fusz Plaza beginning at 12:30 p.m., featuring live entertainment by DJ Tycoon as well as games and activities for all ages
- CITY SC has purchased renewable energy RECs and water restoration certificates to offset power and water usage during the match
