PORTLAND, OR -- In celebration of Green Sports Day, Bold Reuse, a global leader in reusable packaging systems, in collaboration with the Portland Trail Blazers and Moda Center’s hospitality partner, Levy, are proud to announce the launch of a first-of-its-kind full-venue reusable packaging initiative within U.S. professional sports. Starting on October 27th, 2023, Rip City Reuse is poised to significantly advance progress toward phasing out single-use packaging in sports and entertainment venues.  

Over the 2022–2023 season, Moda Center took its first steps toward phasing out single-use packaging by converting single-use boats into reusable trays on the club level. This pilot program achieved remarkable success, boasting an 88% average return rate by the end of the season. This achievement was due to successful fan engagement in partnership with Moda Center’s environmental services team. Moreover, 95% of the fans who participated in the pilot expressed their desire to see the initiative expanded to encompass additional products and levels within the arena. This resounding support from the Portland community fueled the decision to introduce reusable cups for alcoholic beverages on an arena-wide scale.

The Portland Trail Blazers, a long-time leader in sports sustainability, is leading the charge again by making reusable cups the default option for every event and game held within the arena, at no additional cost to guests. Implementing the Bold Reuse system provides a world-class fan experience while reducing carbon emissions, water consumption, and energy usage. Furthermore, it exemplifies the Blazers’ unwavering commitment to improving the local Portland community, generating more environmentally friendly jobs, and significantly reducing landfill waste.  

“We're proud to lead the zero waste movement in professional sports," said Brittany Saulsbury, Sustainability Operations Manager for the Portland Trail Blazers. "Our partnership with Bold Reuse shows our ongoing dedication to offering world-class fan experiences while being at the forefront of sustainability within the industry. Rip City Reuse also highlights sports' potential to drive sustainability education and global climate impact.”

Rip City Reuse is spearheading a movement that is already inspiring other venues and teams across the nation. Before, many leaders in the industry didn’t believe reuse at scale was possible, this program now proves that it is possible. Implementing the Bold Reuse system enables packaging to become a revenue generator, sets a new standard for fan experience, and dramatically changes the norms around waste creation. 

"The Trail Blazers’ decision to adopt reusables arena-wide sets an extraordinary standard for venues and businesses nationwide," said Jocelyn Quarrell, CEO of Bold Reuse. "We are honored to partner with the Portland Trail Blazers and Levy to implement this transformative program. The success of Rip City Reuse is a win for our local Portland community and the world. The most exciting part is we’re just getting started."

Rip City Reuse officially kicks off arena-wide at Moda Center on October 27th. 

About Bold Reuse

Bold Reuse transforms how businesses support their customers' reusable packaging business operations to reduce their waste footprint while expanding brand awareness and customer loyalty. Oregon Convention Center, Starbucks, Imperfect Foods, and the Portland Trail Blazers have partnered with Bold Reuse to help implement and scale reuse systems into their organizations. Bold Reuse has helped customers avert over 3 million pounds of waste from the landfill. For more information, visit https://www.boldreuse.com.

About the Portland Trail Blazers

Members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Portland Trail Blazers were founded in 1970 and purchased by the late Paul G. Allen in 1988. The team’s rich heritage includes 37 playoff appearances, three trips to the NBA Finals, an NBA championship in 1977, and a commitment to community service and sustainability. The Trail Blazers are dedicated to positively impacting underserved kids and their families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington where they live, learn and play. Portland is the first and only professional sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate and community service. The Trail Blazers' home arena, Moda Center, is the first existing arena to earn LEED Platinum Certification in 2019 after receiving LEED Gold Recertification in 2015 and becoming the first existing professional sports venue in the world to receive LEED Gold status in 2010. The team is also one of the founding members of the Green Sports Alliance. For more information, visit trailblazers.com.

About Levy Restaurants

The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Twice named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and one of the top three Best Employers for Diversity in America by Forbes, Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games.