20 February 2024 , 12:49
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Over a third of young sports fans (36%) said they would be more inclined to go and watch a live rugby match – if the stadium was eco-friendly, according to research.
A study of 500 six-10-year-olds asked the little ones what they would most like to see in a “stadium of the future” – and 69% agreed that the venue should be environmentally friendly.
Some of the top measures they would look for on this front include solar panels, re-used rainwater, and energy-efficient lighting.
And 63% of those polled are eager to learn more about how stadiums, and sports in general, can take steps to have more of a positive impact on the environment.
Indeed, this is something that 80% of the youngsters polled try to implement in their own day-to-day lives – with 65% striving to keep on top of their recycling.
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Six in 10 (59%) are mindful never to litter, while 57% have their own, refillable water bottle – and 54% always turn off the tap while brushing their teeth. Despite this, 77% still wish they could do more to help the planet.
Children have shared what they hope to see in sports stadiums of the future - including bouncy trampoline floors (PinPep)The research also revealed some other, more creative ideas the children came up with for future sports stadiums – including milkshake fountains (22%), and ice-cream machines in every stand (34%). Bouncy trampoline floors, and glow-in-the-dark balls, also made the list, as did talking robots delivering snacks and drinks.
The results of the study, by OnePoll, were released as Scottish Gas team up with Scottish Rugby to tackle carbon emissions, with plans to decarbonise Scottish Gas Murrayfield – and create a stadium fit for the future.
The partnership is also providing rugby clubs across Scotland with access to funding to make sustainable improvements to clubhouses, reduce their carbon footprint, and save on energy bills.
And former Scotland and Gloucester Rugby player, Rory Lawson, along with current Scotland Woman's international, Coreen Grant, took a group of kids on a tour of Scottish Gas Murrayfield – and listened as the little ones enthused about their visions for future stadiums.
Former Scottish Rugby star, Rory Lawson, who chatted to children about the topic during a tour of Scottish Gas Murrayfield, said: “I really enjoyed hearing all the creative ideas from the kids on what stadiums could look like.
“I’m not sure if we’ll see robot waiters and glow-in the dark balls any time soon, but it’s brilliant that they think sustainability should play such a major role in the future of this fantastic ground.”
Other future tech kids would like to see introduced include stadiums that can morph their shape for different sports (22%). And one in three (32%) would be interested in seats offering virtual reality, so people can feel like they’re on the pitch.
Exactly six in 10 children have been taken to a stadium to watch a sporting match in real life – and of those who haven't, 35% would be up for watching a game of rugby in the future.
Rory Lawson added: “Sport has an amazing power to influence society and inspire positive change – so, by teaming up with Scottish Gas to make one of the world’s most iconic stadiums more sustainable, we’re teaching young people how important it is to preserve the environment.
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“Whether it's minimising waste, embracing sustainable materials, or reducing our carbon footprint, we can set an example now, and help achieve a greener future.”
TOP 15 THINGS KIDS WANT TO SEE IN FUTURE SPORTS STADIUMS:
- Drones capturing views from the sky for spectators
- Talking robots to serve drinks/snacks
- Laser light shows
- Ice-cream machines in the stands
- Seats where you can use virtual reality (VR), so you feel like you're on the pitch/closer to the game
- Holographic performances during breaks, e.g. a 3D picture in the air of people performing, who aren't actually there in real life
- Interactive play zones with virtual reality (VR) games related to the sport
- Robot mascots
- Glow-in-the-dark balls
- Milkshake fountains
- Stadiums that change shape for different sports
- Smart uniforms on players, giving real-time health and performance data
- Slides to get around the stadium
- Floating platforms
- Bouncy trampoline floors