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Footprint Center, a multi-purpose arena in Phoenix that is home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WBNA’s Phoenix Mercury and managed by Suns Legacy Partners LLC, has completed the reaccreditation process for GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA. The venue, which also hosts concerts and shows, is a trailblazer regarding sustainability, and now has renewed third-party verification that its cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention program minimizes risks.

“At Footprint Center, we’re setting a new standard for sustainability, and view the GBAC STAR program as an extension of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) pledge,” says Ralph Marchetta, Footprint Center general manager. “We are excited to continue welcoming fans, teams, performers, and employees to the facility so they can enjoy everything Footprint Center has to offer.”

Footprint Center is on a mission to become a carbon-neutral, plastic-free arena, and is developing a living innovation lab to conduct research and share learnings with the community on how to eliminate single-use plastics in the food chain.

The arena is also championing cleanliness and safety through GBAC STAR, the gold standard for prepared facilities. The accreditation gives the public confidence that a facility has the proper protocols and training in place to address biorisks like COVID-19. Annual reaccreditation drives continuous improvement, as the facility needs to maintain compliance with 20 key program elements.

“Facilities of all types and sizes are renewing their GBAC STAR accreditation because it assures visitors and employees that these environments are clean and healthy,” said Patricia Olinger, GBAC executive director. “Because the program is performance-based, it encourages organizations to do their due diligence regarding biorisk prevention, response, and recovery.”