The World's Greenest Sports Stadiums

The grass on the playing field is no longer the only green thing in newer pro-sports stadiums around the world. More frequently, fans are being treated to touchdowns, goals, and record-breaking sprints in venues that won’t leave our planet on the losing side.

LED panels, wind turbines, and solar-powered lights are becoming the norm; they're a way for team execs to prove that they care about the environment — and save money on electric bills at the same time.

Incheon Stadium in South Korea, which will host the 17th Asian Games in 2014, will be transformed from a 70,000-seat sports-fan paradise to a 30,000-seat arena and public park when the games are over. To read about other sports venues around the world where greenies can catch a game, click through the jump.

2014 Winter Olympic Stadium: It will house the Olympics and Paralympics in Sochi, Russia. It’s set to have lightweight structures, day-lighting, natural ventilation, and other environmental positives.

New Meadowlands Stadium: By the beginning of next season, the NFL’s New York Giants, New York Jets, and the EPA will have completed this eco-minded masterpiece, which will be built by workers’ vehicles,  running on cleaner fuels, hauling into place 40,000 tons of recycled steel.

Stadium Franco Sensi: The blueprint has just been unfurled for this marvel in Rome. Its green qualities include photovoltaic panels and a water-resistant layer that will let 80% of sunlight through its roof.

Nationals Park: Open since 2008, this $611 million home to MLB’s Washington Nationals operates on energy-efficient lighting and low-flow water.

Garden Stadium: True to its new name, China’s former Dalian Shide Stadium will be remodeled to emulate a garden with green walls which filter air, reduce greenhouse gases, and provide insulation. LED panels are part of the package too. 

--Nicholas Mukhar