LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In an effort to reduce waste and prevent marine plastic pollution, the Gwinnett Stripers and concessionaire Professional Sports Catering have announced that single-use plastic straws and lids will no longer be provided at Coolray Field. The change will take effect beginning with Opening Night on Thursday, April 4.
For the first time in Coolray Field’s 10-year history, fans will not automatically be given plastic straws and lids with drink purchases at any of the ballpark’s concession stands or points of sale. A limited number of straws and lids will be available only by request for fans with special needs.
The Stripers’ proximity to Lake Lanier, as well as a new commitment to environmental responsibility, motivated the change in policy.
“We are proud to partner with Professional Sports Catering to eliminate straws and lids from Coolray Field this season and beyond,” said Stripers Vice President and General Manager Adam English. “With waterways like Lake Lanier so vital to the prosperity of Gwinnett County and North Georgia, we feel it is our responsibility to minimize our environmental impact on the community. The Stripers and PSC will continue to seek ways to be leaders in environmental sustainability and awareness.”
“Professional Sports Catering embraces the opportunity to join the Stripers in reducing plastic waste,” said Craig Phillips, PSC’s Director of Operations at Coolray Field. “Removing straws and lids is just one part of what we can do to be more environmentally responsible, and PSC looks forward to being at the forefront of the Stripers’ green initiative.”
In addition to removing straws and lids, the Stripers are also rolling out four environmentally-sustainable giveaways in 2019: recycle tote bags (first 500 fans on April 15), mason jar cups (first 2,500 fans on April 27), reusable straws for “Go Green Night” (first 500 fans on July 15), and water bottles (first 500 fans on July 29).
The Stripers open the season at Coolray Field on Thursday, April 4 with a 7:05 p.m. game vs. Norfolk. Tickets for all 2019 home games are on sale now at GoStripers.com.