I'm especially excited this year because the National League will begin with a scene I'm fairly used to; Matt Cain pitching to Buster Posey. I can't wait to see Posey at home plate tomorrow night! Considering the fact that he set the NL balloting record with 7,621,370 votes, I'm not alone in my excitement to see him take the field for his first All-Star Game appearance.
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| San Francisco Giant, Buster Posey |
While I'm definitely routing for a National League win, I'm thrilled that the 83rd Major League Baseball All-Star Game is taking place in a certain American League Stadium. The Kansas City Royals home, Kauffman Stadium, recently became one of the greener stadiums in the MLB.
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| Kauffman Stadium |
The Royals partnered with KCP&L and installed the largest in-stadium solar array in the MLB! According to a press release from the Royals and KCP&L, the company installed a 28.8 kilowatt solar array that will produce approximately 36,000 kWh of renewable energy each year. The 120 solar panels on the roof of Kauffman Stadium's Outfield Experience exemplify there commitment to maximizing renewable energy resources at the ballpark.
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| Solar Panels at Kauffman Stadium |
To educate fans about the solar energy system, KCP&L installed an educational kiosk in the Outfield Experience to show how the system benefits the Stadium and the greater Kansas City region. I'm so happy that this all took place before the All-Star Game so even more sports fans see and hopefully learn about the benefits of solar.
In addition to the efforts of the Kansas City Royals, the MLB is also playing it's part and making the league's commitment to the environment a priority this All-Star Game. Some of the league's efforts include:
- Addressing energy and water usage through efficiency measures and by investing in renewable energy offsets and water restoration credits
- Prioritizing recycling at events throughout MLB All-Star Week, including an All-Star Green Team of volunteers circulating Kauffman Stadium during the All-Star Game to collect recyclables from fans
- Raising awareness about the importance of "going green" via public service announcements in-stadium and environmental education materials online
- Incorporating eco-friendly materials including low volatile organic compound materials such as paint and sealants, low flow plumbing fixtures, FSC certified wood and locally produced materials into community refurbishment projects
- Collecting and donating unused food after several All-Star events including the All-Star Game Gala and the Pre-Game Celebration
So, even though I'm hoping Cain & the NL walk away with the win, I'll be happy regardless because the event is a home run for the planet!
