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Rainiers Become First MiLB Team to Join the Green Sports Alliance

July 26, 2012 - Pacific Coast League (PCL) Tacoma Rainiers

TACOMA, Wash. - 2011 marked the first full renovation of Cheney Stadium in over 50 years of baseball. Fans can see many of the improvements that were made to the aging ballpark, however, there are a few behind the scenes changes that are immensely important. To highlight these changes, and continue to gain a knowledge of sustainability, the Tacoma Rainiers, the operators of Cheney Stadium, have joined the Green Sports Alliance.

The renovation itself recycled 96 percent of its construction waste. Cheney Stadium was outfitted with new field lighting resulting in thousands of watts of saved electricity, more restrooms with low-flush toilets, and enough new recycling bins to provide for a growing fan base. By recycling and using compostable food containers during games and events held at Cheney Stadium, fans contribute to keeping the stadium green.

The Rainiers recently partnered with the City of Tacoma to make some much-needed improvements to the surrounding area of the ballpark. Both a significant portion of the main parking lot and Clay Huntington Way, recently renamed to honor a club founder, were redone to implement a green infrastructure. The road cost roughly half that of a traditional stormwater project and reduced runoff on the street by 72 percent. Energy-saving LED lights currently illuminate Clay Huntington Way, now one of only four certified Greenroads in the world.

"The Baseball Club of Tacoma, the team's ownership group, is proud to become a member of the Green Sports Alliance and is committed to learning about and implementing new green initiatives." said team president Aaron Artman. "We are excited to be the first Minor League team to come on board with the Green Sports Alliance and we hope to see many more follow."

The Tacoma Rainiers front office is committed to reducing paper products traditionally used in many of the different departments. From recycling paper, to discouraging unnecessary printing, to going online with media guides and season ticket renewals, the Rainiers are working hard to reduce their footprint.

"The Green Sports Alliance was started in the Pacific Northwest, and we are pleased to add another local team to our member roster," said membership director David Muller. "The Tacoma Rainiers are the first MiLB team to join the Alliance. We look forward to working closely with them to show that sports greening successes can happen at all levels."

Green Sports Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to help sports teams, venues and leagues enhance their environmental performance. Alliance members represent 13 sports leagues and nearly 100 sports venues and teams - a collaboration that is unprecedented. Please visit http://www.greensportsalliance.org for additional information.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 26, 2012


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