The construction of a Los Angeles football stadium, set to be the first NFL stadium to become Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, was sanctioned by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Oct. 22, 2010. Members of the Marlborough community said they applaud this stadium not only for its sustainable resolutions but also for its attempt to acquire a professional football team to the region.
Designed by Aedas, a global architecture firm known for the U-bora tower in Dubai and renovations to the New York Public Library, the 75,000-seat stadium will set an example for arenas across the country to take the green initiative.
By building the stadium into a hillside, Aedas’ design will reduce the steel structure by 40%, thus decreasing carbon-dioxide emissions and other hazardous environmental effects associated with material manufacturing and transportation.
Sarah Wolf, Co-chair of Marlborough and Environmental Committee, said that she is proud that Los Angeles is taking the lead to pursue sustainable design.
“I think that this stadium will be a wonderful model for future stadiums and arenas. If L.A. can prove how cost-efficient and attractive environmentally-friendly architecture can be, then other cities will follow,” Wolf said.
Not only avid environmentalists but also football supporters are cheering on this production, hoping this stadium will attract an NFL team to the region.
Clara ’13, a fanatic football enthusiast, said that this new sports stadium would not only appeal to prospective teams but also improve the spectator experience.
“I recently went to a football game at the Coliseum, and it seemed very dated. I think that a new modern stadium for a pro football team would really enhance the experience for football fans,” she said.
According to Wolf, if the stadium proves successful in attracting a pro football team, Los Angeles could become more unified under a universal identity.
“I just moved from Boston, and Patriots support along with Red Sox support is practically rabid, and it serves to give everyone in the city something to bond over,” she said. “Fans from every socioeconomic class, neighborhood and community can rally around the Sox, and in the city, it’s almost impossible not to feel like part of something collective when you’re a Pats fan.”
