PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles are taking their gridiron off the grid.
The team said Thursday it will add wind turbines, solar panels and a cogeneration plant at Lincoln Financial Field over the next year, a combination that will make the stadium self-sufficient and let the Eagles sell some power back to the electric grid.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said the plan was part of the Eagles’ commitment to be a socially responsible organization.
“Owning an NFL team, I think you have an opportunity to lead the way,” Lurie said.
Under the plan, approximately 80 spiral-shaped wind turbines will be mounted on the stadium’s roof and 2,500 solar panels attached to the stadium’s facade. Together, they will contribute an estimated 30 percent to the total energy production.
An onsite “dual-fuel” cogeneration plant, a small power plant that captures its heat for increased efficiency powered by biodiesel and natural gas, will contribute the rest of the energy. The system is designed to produce at least 8.6 megawatts of power, enough to meet the stadium’s peak energy use of around 7 megawatts.
Thomas hints at returning
METAIRIE, La. — Saints running back Pierre Thomas (ankle) said he could return to the field “sooner than people think.”
“I feel great. I feel better than I did a couple of weeks ago, I can tell you that,” Thomas said. “I got a smile on my face. I’m not grumpy. I’m not upset about my ankle anymore.”
While Thomas is suiting up for practice and doing some individual work, he is not expected to play Sunday against the Seahawks.
Footnotes.
Texans quarterback Matt Schaub is back with the team after he was hospitalized with an injury to the bursa sac in his right knee and said, “There is no doubt in my mind I’ll be playing on Sunday” against the Jets.
• Patriots quarterback Tom Brady participated in practice on a limited basis after missing Wednesday’s session with a foot injury.
• Panthers coach John Fox picked 30-year-old quarterback Brian St. Pierre over rookie Tony Pike to start Sunday against the Ravens.
• Jets defensive back Dwight Lowery (concussion) will miss Sunday’s game against the Texans, while receiver Jerricho Cotchery (groin) did not practice and remains questionable.
The Associated Press
