**NFL Stadiums to Serve as Emergency Response Hubs in New FEMA Partnership**

In an innovative new collaboration, NFL stadiums are set to play a crucial role in emergency disaster response. The partnership between the National Football League (NFL) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will see several major stadiums transform into centers for shelter, medical services, and distribution during natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.

Four stadiums have been confirmed to participate in this initiative: MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Giants; Lumen Field, where the Seattle Seahawks play; Acrisure Stadium, the base for the Pittsburgh Steelers; and Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which hosts both the Rams and Chargers, is under consideration to join the program.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell lauded the initiative as a "groundbreaking opportunity" and noted the potential for other sports venues to join in future. "While we are starting with the NFL, all venues across sports organizations and leagues can become assets to their communities," Criswell stated. She highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing the impacts of the climate crisis.

Football stadiums have previously served as impromptu emergency shelters, such as the Superdome in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, although that effort faced significant challenges. More recently, various stadiums were utilized during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recognizing the potential of these large facilities, the NFL proposed the concept of using stadiums as emergency hubs to the federal government.

NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier underscored the community role of stadiums beyond game days, saying, "Stadiums are valuable community assets that are often used in times of disasters. This designation reflects the role that many stadiums play, not only on Sundays, but especially in times of need."

For a stadium to qualify as an official emergency location, it must meet several criteria, including central location, proximity to major roadways and healthcare services, accessibility for those with disabilities, and the ability to rapidly provide food, water, and medical care.