MAPFRE Stadium and the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) today announced a partnership to enhance recycling during this year's Rock on the Range at MAPFRE Stadium (May 20-22, 2016). MAPFRE Stadium has been awarded a grant from SWACO as part of its Event Sponsorship Pilot Program. The grant is part of an ongoing effort to help local communities and festivals reduce waste and was awarded to MAPFRE Stadium based on its commitment to green waste management practices at all stadium events.
As part of MAPFRE Stadium's continuous efforts to be environmentally conscious, the grant from SWACO will be used to purchase containers and signage to increase recycling efforts across the stadium grounds for Rock on the Range. Furthermore, the event's janitorial staff will be properly trained and instructed on conservation efforts to ensure that new recycling efforts are implemented effectively.
“MAPFRE Stadium and Columbus Crew SC are committed to green initiatives for our hosted events,” said Crew SC President of Business Operations Andy Loughnane. “This generous grant from SWACO will assist us in reducing our footprint by providing for expanded recycling efforts at Rock on the Range and beyond. We are thankful to SWACO for their acknowledgment of our dedication to recycling.”
SWACO estimates that 32% of all waste generated in Franklin County is recycled and aims to increase that percentage by five percent over the next two to three years.
“It's encouraging to see so many residents, families, businesses and events in Franklin County recycling,” said SWACO Communications Manager Hanna Greer-Brown. “Recycling is good business, creates jobs, protects the public's health and the environment but in order to realize those benefits, recycling needs to be done correctly. SWACO applauds the efforts of MAPFRE Stadium and Rock on the Range to expand their program to include more containers, better signage and training for staff to ensure the recycling stream is cleaner and can be put to a more productive use to improve our overall rate of recycling.”
Rock on the Range, held each summer at MAPFRE Stadium since 2007, is sold out for the fourth consecutive year. Set to be held this weekend on May 20, 21 and 22, this year's festival marks the fastest sellout to date, breaking the record set last year. In 2015, the three-day, multi-stage music and lifestyle event hosted 120,000 concertgoers.
This summer's 10th anniversary event is headlined by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Disturbed and Rob Zombie, with over 50 artists in total scheduled to perform. The festival also features the Rolling Rock Comedy Tent as well as the Music Experience, new art installations and unique onsite activities.
