Today, in collaboration with long-time partner PepsiCo, the San Francisco 49ers announced the implementation of reusable cups at Levi's® Stadium, sparking a transformation in the Faithful's concessions experience. The initiative extends and builds upon the venue's award-winning sustainability reputation, and expands on PepsiCo's global efforts to advance sustainable packaging solutions while marking the company's first reusable cup project with an NFL franchise.
Launched during the team's first preseason game in the United Club and Graton Winners Club, which seat up to 6,500 fans combined, the program enables fans to enjoy PepsiCo beverages in durable, reusable cups. The cups can then be easily returned to designated bins where they are collected to be sanitized and redistributed for reuse. With 10 49ers games to be hosted at Levi's® Stadium this season, the program is projected to eliminate the need for tens of thousands of disposable single-use cups. For photos of the reusable cups, which debuted at the 49ers preseason game on August 9th, click below.
"Sustainability has always been a core pillar of Levi's® Stadium, dating back to its early designs, and we are constantly trying to find new ways to reduce waste, consumption, and emissions," said Kevin Hilton, 49ers VP of Corporate Partnerships. "This reusable cup program not only reduces plastic waste, in addition to other behind-the-scenes practices, it also allows the Faithful to take an active role in our sustainability mission. We are proud to partner on this project alongside PepsiCo and appreciate their continued support of our sustainability initiatives."
PepsiCo brings experience to the program, having engaged in a number of reusable cup efforts throughout the country. The company's global sustainable packaging strategy includes a focus on reducing virgin plastic, designing packaging for circularity and supporting systems, such as recycling and reuse infrastructure, that can help reduce packaging waste.
"Advancing reuse requires collaboration and a systemic shift to help make the reusable option the most convenient and accessible option for consumers to enjoy their beverage," said Burgess Davis, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo North America. "Initiatives like this can provide important insights into how that shift can become a reality at scale while having an immediate impact in reducing waste. Sustainability is truly a team sport, and we're grateful to the 49ers for their collaboration on this effort."
Bold Reuse, a national leader in reuse, is managing the collection, sanitization, and redistribution of cups in partnership with Levy, the stadium's hospitality provider.
The reusable cup program adds to the 49ers continued commitment to sustainability.
The team's Faithful to the Planet initiative launched in 2023 as an innovative partner coalition dedicated to sustainability and environmental conservation, uniting powerful, global brands to champion environmental stewardship. The 49ers initiative supports the restoration of redwood trees, removal of ocean-bound plastic from rivers, and planting of new trees across Africa, as well as other collaborative, green-focused fan engagement activations.
In August 2014, Levi's® Stadium became the first professional football stadium to open with LEED Gold Certification for BD+C: New Construction, the recognized standard for measuring sustainability for design and construction. Less than two years later in July 2016, Levi's® Stadium continued to set benchmarks as the leading sports venue in sustainability by achieving LEED Gold Certification for Operations and Maintenance of an Existing building – making it the first-ever NFL stadium to be LEED Gold certified under the two respective rating systems. In 2024, the venue was again awarded LEED Gold for Operations and Maintenance of an Existing Building, and named a recipient of the Green Sports Alliance "Play to Zero" Awards for its outstanding water and energy conservation.
For more information, please visit LevisStadium.com.
