Football clubs use anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 kWh of electricity in a stadium during a match. How much electricity is used during the match varies depending on the size of the stadium. This much energy is enough to power up to twelve households for a year or even power a small town! 

It’s safe to say that football clubs spend a tidy sum on their utility bills. This applies to both big, professional clubs and smaller clubs. Due to the energy crisis and climate change, it would be advisable for them to reduce their energy consumption and monthly bills. Football clubs are no different in this regard. 

In fact, some of the bigger football clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool have already started making energy-efficient, sustainable changes in their stadiums. While cutting down on utility bills is a big motivator, more and more businesses need to start doing their part to cut down on our carbon footprint.

They’re leading the way for other businesses with their changes like; reducing the carbon footprint by providing and encouraging the use of public transport for fans. They are also getting rid of single-use plastics, read more about your club’s utilities and find out what they’re doing to combat energy consumption. 

These are the areas that consume the most energy in a stadium:

Lighting

Lighting is the biggest consumer of energy during a football match. The lighting in the stadium amounts to about 40% of the total energy used during a match. Aside from the floodlights, the scoreboards and advertising boards also require a large amount of energy.

Sports governing bodies, like UEFA, are very strict about how the field must be lit. It’s important that the stadium is evenly lit, so the floodlights for the pitch use a lot of energy. Clubs are considering reducing the amount of energy used by lighting by implementing a few changes. 

One of the proposed solutions is to have earlier kick-offs; this will result in the floodlights being on for fewer hours. Another great solution being implemented is switching the bulbs in the stadium to LEDs. Installing solar panels at the stadium is also another practice that might become increasingly popular with football clubs.

Catering & Hospitality

Another big energy consumer during a football match is the catering and hospitality facilities. This department accounts for about 20% of the total energy used during a football match. Lighting is necessary for these areas as well and contributes to the energy consumption.

The other big use of energy in this department is the heating and cooling of food and drinks that are served during the game. There are also bathroom facilities and private suites to consider when thinking about energy usage. 

Depending on the season, clubs may spend a significant amount of money on heating and cooling the stadium. This is especially true over the winter, smaller clubs can expect their bills to multiply significantly.

Broadcasting

The last big consumer of energy in a stadium might surprise you! Broadcasting games will consume more energy than you might realise. There is a lot of energy required to power the high-powered cameras and filming equipment needed to broadcast a game. 

On top of that, the bigger stadiums will require editing suites and more filming equipment because they’re broadcasting to a larger audience. They will also require some pretty high-powered satellite transmitters to broadcast the game both in and out of the country.  

Aside from the energy consumed during a football match, clubs also consume energy during training. Minus broadcasting and advertising, there is still the need for powerful floodlights as well the team facilities and offices. 

Final Thoughts

Football clubs consume a lot more energy than one might imagine. A general change towards more green and energy-efficient practices can help clubs reduce their utility bills and do their part in conservation efforts. 

Switching energy providers can lead to a minimal difference, but changes have to be made within the club for effective reduction. Going green can also appeal to a football club’s fanbase. Football fans can play a massive role in encouraging clubs to make changes and reduce their energy consumption.

This can be achieved through effective communication and education on the benefits of sustainable practices. Additionally, implementing renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines can also contribute to a club’s green initiatives