We just had a vote here in New York regarding the building of a new arena for the NHL’s New York Islanders. (Vote for a publicly-financed facility did not pass). Much of the discussion revolved around the “impact of the arena.”

The impact of a new facility on a community can be far-reaching on many levels. (financial, social, emotional) One level that heretofore was not really considered, or at least publicized, was the environmental impact. But due to a variety of larger societal factors and some sport-specific, we are seeing greater attention go into the design, development, and maintenance of sports arenas and stadiums around the world. And when it gets to the management of such facilities, there is no one bigger or more influential than AEG.

AEG owns, manages or is affiliated with more than 120 venues on 5 continents, welcoming more than 45 million fans through its doors. That group of venues includes the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, the Mercedes Benz Arena in Shanghai, and the O2 Arena in London. It also includes the iconic L.A. Live, the 4 million square foot sports, residential & entertainment district in Los Angeles.

So it says a lot when AEG announces a strategic partnership with The Green Sports Alliance. The Green Sports Alliance “supports professional sports leagues in further advancing and coordinating their work on behalf of environmental stewardship.” As part of the partnership, the AEG 1EARTH program would become a founding partner of the Alliance.

We have highlighted other eco-friendly companies, initiatives, and partnerships before. However, the importance of AEG’s involvement cannot be underestimated. In addition, the Green Sports Alliance just held its first Summit. You can learn more about the event by clicking here.