As many stadiums and arenas have been filled with cardboard cutouts this year, Stanford Athletics had a different idea that connects back to the school’s rich history and campus identity – fill the stands with trees.
Lowe’s donated 470 trees to help Stanford create a “home-forest advantage,” staging the trees throughout the lower level of its football stadium. The drought-tolerant trees from local nurseries, including Village Nurseries and Tree Town USA, will stand in for fans this season.
Stanford Athletics sought to create a one-of-a-kind gameday atmosphere, while also positively impacting the community and environment. In addition to the trees in the stands, fans can “join” the Tree House and receive a commemorative t-shirt made with recycled yarn from post-consumer plastic bottles.
Each of the trees are in 15-gallon containers standing as high as 10 feet tall. They were delivered and placed throughout the stadium by Stanford Athletics staff and Lowe’s volunteers. Stanford Athletics will water and care for the trees throughout the season, and afterwards, all trees will be replanted in Bay Area communities.
Local city works departments and other nonprofits will replant the trees to grow urban forest canopy and create healthier communities that are greener and more resilient.
And who knows, maybe this won’t be the only time Lowe’s donates trees this season.
