Start Date

8-1-2011 9:45 AM

End Date

8-1-2011 10:30 AM

Track

2. Track 2 - Poster Session

Subject Area

Travel and Tourism

Faculty Member

Dr. Kelly Phelan, kelly.phelan@ttu.edu

Abstract

The concept of environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry is an area which has been the central focus of a plethora of researchers. During the past decade, studies have examined eco-sustainability issues, eco-tourism, green certification, organic menu items, and implementing an environmental preservation plan. An under evaluated aspect of the hospitality industry pertains to eco-sustainable practices of large multi-use facilities, specifically arenas which typically play host to professional sports in the United States. Sports arenas are a booming segment of the hospitality industry, and often become destinations within cities. These venues are geared towards hosting large events with several thousand attendees. The massive influx of spectators at these venues, during both sporting activities and events, such as large concerts, creates the propensity of the property to consume significant amounts of a destination’s natural resources. The purpose of this study is to examine current information available on professional sports stadiums, and compile a comprehensive report on environmentally sustainable practices associated with continuous daily operations of these facilities. Each venue is unique, as some have been around for over 50 years, yet renovations have allowed for the utilization of eco-efficient improvements. Other arenas have been constructed recently, giving them the opportunity to seize upon the latest resources available in green construction. Data for this study will be analyzed utilizing qualitative comprehension techniques coupled with meta-analysis. Through the examination of previous studies, supplemented with readily available information, parameters will be established to measure both continuous and discrete variables. Qualitative analysis will be performed through the comparison of common environmental preservation practices, their indicated results, and their expected outcomes if utilized in future construction and/or renovation projects at sports arenas.

Keywords

Sports Arenas, Convention Centers, Environmental Protection, Preservation, Eco-Sustainability

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Jan 8th, 9:45 AM Jan 8th, 10:30 AM

Environmentally Responsible Venues: Efficient Practices of Large Multi-Use Facilities

The concept of environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry is an area which has been the central focus of a plethora of researchers. During the past decade, studies have examined eco-sustainability issues, eco-tourism, green certification, organic menu items, and implementing an environmental preservation plan. An under evaluated aspect of the hospitality industry pertains to eco-sustainable practices of large multi-use facilities, specifically arenas which typically play host to professional sports in the United States. Sports arenas are a booming segment of the hospitality industry, and often become destinations within cities. These venues are geared towards hosting large events with several thousand attendees. The massive influx of spectators at these venues, during both sporting activities and events, such as large concerts, creates the propensity of the property to consume significant amounts of a destination’s natural resources. The purpose of this study is to examine current information available on professional sports stadiums, and compile a comprehensive report on environmentally sustainable practices associated with continuous daily operations of these facilities. Each venue is unique, as some have been around for over 50 years, yet renovations have allowed for the utilization of eco-efficient improvements. Other arenas have been constructed recently, giving them the opportunity to seize upon the latest resources available in green construction. Data for this study will be analyzed utilizing qualitative comprehension techniques coupled with meta-analysis. Through the examination of previous studies, supplemented with readily available information, parameters will be established to measure both continuous and discrete variables. Qualitative analysis will be performed through the comparison of common environmental preservation practices, their indicated results, and their expected outcomes if utilized in future construction and/or renovation projects at sports arenas.