The Linc Goes Green
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Philadelphia Eagles are going green in a big way -- and we're not talking about their uniform color.
The team on Thursday announced that Lincoln Financial Field will soon be generating its own electric power.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie says by this time next year, the Linc should be truly sustainable.
"Lincoln Financial Field will be powered with onsite wind, solar, and biodiesel energy. And I think it's the first major sports stadium in the world to convert to self-generated renewable energy," he said.
One hundred wind turbines will be installed around the top of the stadium, 2,500 solar panels will be put on the sides, and a cogeneration plant built on site. Excess electricity generated would be sold back to the grid.
Lurie says the project will create 200 design and installation jobs, and 50 permanent jobs.
He says the team signed a 20-year deal with the Solar Blue energy company. The company gets a locked-in customer that will allow them to build the plant, and the Eagles also get reduced energy costs at a low, fixed price.
Reported by Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio 1060.
