MetLife, SoFi, and State Farm stadiums rank as most vulnerable to wildfires, flooding, and storm surges
Climate X Report Projects up to $11 Billion in Cumulative Losses for NFL Stadiums by 2050 Due to Climate Risks
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A new report from Climate X, a climate risk analysis leader, estimates that NFL stadiums could experience up to $11 billion in cumulative losses by 2050 as a result of escalating climate threats.
The report evaluates the vulnerability of the 30 NFL stadiums to significant climate hazards like flooding, wildfires, and storm surges under a high-emissions scenario. Each stadium is ranked by a “total loss percentage,” which compares projected climate-related damages to the stadium’s current replacement value. For example, if a stadium worth $1 billion has a total loss percentage of 1.5% per annum, its projected damages by 2050 could reach approx. $0.4 billion, i.e. close to 40% of its current replacement value. This ranking highlights which stadiums are more vulnerable to future climate impacts based on the hazards assessed.
Key Findings
- MetLife Stadium in New Jersey- Projected to incur the highest total percentage loss of 184% with cumulative damages exceeding $5.6 billion by 2050 due to its low elevation and exposure to surface flooding and storm surges.
- SoFi Stadium in California- Expected to suffer a cumulative loss percentage of 69%, with losses of $4.38 billion, primarily due to increased surface flooding risks in an urban coastal environment.
- State Farm Stadium in Arizona- Estimated to experience a 39% total loss, with $965 million in cumulative damages due to increased flooding risks in a high heat, arid climate.
In contrast, Lumen Field in Seattle and Lambeau Field in Green Bay are projected to have much lower relative loss rates. Lambeau Field’s non-coastal location shields it from hazards like wildfires, cyclones, and storm surges, while Lumen Field benefits from Seattle’s temperate climate and limited exposure to extreme heat events.
“This report is a wake-up call for the NFL, stadium owners, and local governments,” said Lukky Ahmed, CEO and founder of Climate X. “The stadiums most at risk are looking at significant financial and operational challenges. At the same time, some stadiums show resilience, proving that strategic adaptation can make a difference. We hope this analysis sparks proactive steps to protect these key assets and ensure their long-term viability.”
Why It Matters
NFL stadiums are more than just venues for sports, they are economic hubs and often serve as community hubs. Rising climate risks could lead to significant repair costs, higher insurance premiums, and disruptions that would impact not only games but also the local economies that rely on these facilities.
Methodology
The research was conducted using Climate X’s Spectra platform, which assessed 30 NFL stadiums for exposure to 10 major climate hazards, including surface flooding, tropical cyclones, wildfires, and extreme heat. The analysis covered a time frame from 2020 to 2050 under the high-emissions RCP 8.5 climate scenario.
Each stadium’s risk was ranked based on its total loss $ and %, comparing projected damages from climate hazards to the stadium’s current replacement cost and its known vulnerabilities. Noting some adaptation measures may be unknown resulting in the results being on a conservative side (overestimating loss). Equally, uncertainty range is much significantly broader in 2050 vs present day.
For a detailed analysis of the climate risk for all 30 NFL stadiums, access the complete report here.
About Climate X
Founded in 2020, Climate X is a leading climate risk data analytics company, helping organizations better understand and respond to the impacts of climate change. Using advanced technology, Climate X provides insights into future climate risks through its platform, which creates digital twins of real-world assets. By analyzing 500 trillion data points, the platform enables customers—including banks, mortgage lenders, and real estate firms—to assess and manage the risks climate change poses to their assets and business operations. For more information, visit www.climate-x.com.
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