Arenas experiment with urban gardening to produce food for fans
Implications - In what can be seen as a natural response to over-indulgent stadium menu items, urban gardening initiatives by the same arenas serve to provide local produce options for in-house vendors, while providing an alternative for health-conscious attendees. Often making use of extra space, such edible gardens showcase the widespread adoption of sustainability initiatives in the face of growing populations and food deserts, as well as a change in the type of consumer sports organizations are marketing.
Workshop Question - What is an unexpected fad emerging in your industry, and how could you better leverage it?
Trend Themes
1. Urban Farming - Urban gardening initiatives provide sustainable food options in the face of growing populations and food deserts.
2. Vertical Gardening Towers - Efficient aeroponic systems like LA Urban Farms's Tower Gardens make it much easier to sustainably grow produce in urban environments.
3. Rooftop Farming - Rooftop gardens like Fenway Farms provide fresh local produce to restaurants and may replace junk food at concession stands in the future.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Agriculture - The widespread adoption of sustainability initiatives and efficient growing systems in urban farming could revolutionize the way we produce food.
2. Restaurant/food Service - Restaurants can benefit from growing their own fresh, locally-sourced produce and incorporating it into their menu items.
3. Sports/entertainment - Ballparks and stadiums can attract health-conscious fans by providing fresh, sustainable food options sourced from on-site gardens.
