Kenan Stadium To Host Champion Sustainability Game On Oct. 7

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – No. 14 ranked North Carolina's October 7 football game against Syracuse, the Champion Sustainability Game, will celebrate the University of North Carolina's many sustainability accomplishments and educate fans about Carolina's sustainability goals.

The game will be sponsored by Sustainable Carolina and Champion, a partnership facilitated by LEARFIELD's Tar Heel Sports Properties, the University's athletic multimedia rights holder. It will feature multiple on-site interactive displays with sustainability activities and in-game content featuring the Champion Fund and its commitment to UNC's sustainability efforts. Before kickoff, the Sustainable Carolina team will be in Tar Heel Town at Polk Place handing out "Green in Kenan" buttons and t-shirts. Additional campus sustainability organizations will also be present with information about renewable energy, recycling and composting and climate action.

"We are thrilled to partner with Sustainable Carolina to showcase and educate fans and visitors about sustainability while cheering on Carolina Football,'' said UNC Senior Associate Director of Athletics Rick Steinbacher. "When it comes to sustainability, it's key that everyone does their part."

In 2020, Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz formed the Carolina Sustainability Council to advise him on strategies for a greener campus. From this work, the Council established Sustainable Carolina. Today, Sustainable Carolina, the University's sustainability team, is housed within the UNC Institute for the Environment. The University's plans and resulting actions have led to positive outcomes around greenhouse gas, water and waste footprints.

Sustainable Carolina's Champion Sustainability Fund, launched in 2021 through a transformational gift from HanesBrands, recently helped fund LED lighting projects at Kenan Stadium and Carmichael Arena. The projects increase energy efficiency and reduce operations costs. As a green revolving fund, any money made from energy savings is reinvested for use in future sustainability projects.

"Sustainable Carolina is energized for the Champion Sustainability Game," UNC Chief Sustainability Officer Mike Piehler said. "Teaming with Carolina Athletics and HanesBrands to highlight our successes and future opportunities around sustainability brings more meaning to this already rewarding work. The University has made significant progress and continues to work toward our sustainability goals."

Sustainable Carolina worked with Green Places, founded by Carolina Alum Alex Lassiter, to create a special landing page for those attending the game to learn more about sustainability at Carolina. The landing page includes information on Sustainable Carolina's goals, projects and initiatives.

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