The Oakland A’s and Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability today announced a partnership to help Hohokam Stadium maximize sustainability efforts and move toward zero waste during the 2019 Spring Training season.

Hohokam Stadium, the Spring Training home of the A’s in Mesa, Arizona, will be the focus of the “Recycle Rally” initiative that will test and implement zero waste strategies with the goals of reducing landfill impact, increasing operational efficiencies, and improving the fan experience. The new and unique partnership will launch on Thursday, February 21, when the A’s host the Seattle Mariners at Hohokam Stadium.

As part of the initiative, a group of 21 ASU students will analyze the waste stream and operations at the ballpark to help the venue become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. ASU will then determine how the A’s can minimize and most effectively manage waste, including incorporating effective waste diversion practices at the ballpark through recycling, reusing, and composting.

“The A’s are proud to call Mesa our home away from home, and we want to do our part to promote sustainability and minimize our environmental impact at Hohokam Stadium,” said A’s President Dave Kaval. “We are excited to team up with Arizona State University on this initiative and learn how to reach our goal of becoming a zero-waste facility.” 

“The School of Sustainability is honored to hit a home run for sustainability and zero waste with the Oakland A’s. This innovative collaboration is an example of how sustainability can drive innovation, reduce costs and overhead, and increase the fan experience,” said Colin Tetreault, a Global Sports and Senior Sustainability Scholar with ASU who is directing a class of 21 “change agent” students as part of their defining capstone experience.