NFL stadiums are at risk of damage if climate change worsens.   November 21, 2024

The ongoing risk of climate change has raised alarms for many as October temperatures reached record highs this year. According to a report by Climate X, NFL stadiums could experience up to $11 billion in losses by 2050 due to climate threats.

There are currently 30 NFL stadiums that are at significant risk to climate hazards, like flooding, wildfires and storm surges. The report ranked each stadium by a “total loss percentage,” which compares projected climate-related damages to the stadium’s current replacement value.

Findings include: 

• MetLife Stadium in New Jersey: Projected to incur the highest total percentage loss of 184 percent, with cumulative damages exceeding $5.6 billion by 2050 due to low elevation and exposure to surface flooding and storm surges.
• SoFi Stadium in California: The stadium is expected to have a cumulative loss of 69 percent, with losses of $4.38 billion due to increased surface flooding risks in an urban coastal environment.
• State Farm Stadium in Arizona: The stadium is estimated to experience a 39 percent total loss, with $965 million in cumulative damages due to increased flood risks in a high heat, arid climate.

Not all NFL stadiums are at high of risk for loss, though. Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wi. Is project to have lower rates as its non-coastal location shields it from hazards like wildfires, cyclones and storm surges. The stadium also does not have an enclosed roof, making it safe from collapses due to snow.

And it’s not just the NFL that is at risk. Last month, Tropicana Field’s roof was damaged during Hurricane Milton. Days before the hurricane struck land, reports claimed that officials were worried that the roof would not hold up against the winds. The roof was made of Teflon fabric and had an expected service life of 25 years, with the roof surpassing that estimate as it was installed in 1990.  Tropicana Field is home to the MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays.

By Mackenna Moralez, Associate Editor

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.  

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