AT&T Center Signs Two-Year Deal To Use Windtricity

By Don Muret, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal

AT&T Using Windtricity To Power Facility

AT&T Center in San Antonio is now being powered by “windtricity” after the Spurs signed a two-year deal to use the renewable energy source at their facility. The move is part of the NBA team’s effort to make AT&T Center the first major league arena certified under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, commonly known as LEED. The Spurs contracted with their existing energy provider, CPS Energy, to supply electricity produced by wind turbine farms in west Texas. John Sparks, AT&T Center’s VP & GM, said purchasing windtricity is more expensive than petroleum-based energy, but as the price of oil continues to escalate, the Spurs should break even over the course of a 12-month period, while reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. “From a business perspective, it’s not cheaper, but it’s better for the environment,” Sparks said. “It’s a long-term investment.” The Spurs are incorporating other green measures for arena operations and expect the 6-year-old building to qualify for LEED certification in the next three to six months.