You know when you are getting close to the stadium because you can see it. From everywhere. It is built at the top of a circular hill, so it has great presence in the surrounding landscape.
As I wax poetic about the situation of the stadium, let me also go on and on about how this stadium is powered by solar panels. In fact, it's the largest solar installation in Pro Football. It's a 2MW project that uses 8,000 solar panels. It provides up to 20% of the stadium's power needs on a game day, and up to 100% on non-game days, depending on the weather. To commemorate this achievement, there is a 30 foot tall solar statue on the grounds.
Meet Solar Man. "A unique combination of solar power technology, football and art."
We arrived at FedEx Field at approximately 4:55 PM. We entered the pro shop about five minutes before it was due to close, and I asked, somewhat sheepishly, if there was any way Connor could see the field. Once we had explained that Connor was on a mission to see every pro football stadium in the country, they were only happy to oblige. The tour guide was summoned for us, and he gave us our very own, age appropriate, impromptu tour. He even took photos for us!
While I was overjoyed at the wonderful service we were receiving, Connor was still a little bummed. He really wanted to go onto the field, but we couldn't do that because they had just started painting it, and it was being watered.
The season home opener was set for just a few weeks away, and earlier that same day they had inked in the outlines of the field paint. It wasn't finished yet, though.
50 Yard Line Design
This last photo is so great because of two things:
1. Connor is throwing an imaginary football to me. We play football all the time, and he never lets the lack of a ball get him down.
2. There are actually FedEx drop boxes at FedEx Field. As there should be.
Current Status of the NFL Stadium Project:
9 stadiums down. 23 to go.
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