The Portland Timbers, in partnership with Bold Reuse, have begun a major new chapter in live event sustainability, establishing Portland as a leading innovation hub for reusable foodware and beverage systems.

As part of their shared commitment to building a circular economy, the Timbers and Bold Reuse have rolled out a series of first-of-their-kind initiatives at Providence Park:

Regional First: ODEQ Grant-Backed Reusable Foodware Program

Through a grant awarded by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), Providence Park and Bold Reuse have launched a reusable foodware system inside stadium premium spaces, setting a new standard for reducing single-use waste at major venues.

National First: Stadium-Specific Reusable Vessels

Providence Park is the first venue in the country to deploy a new stadium-designed reusable vessel developed by Dart Container Corporation. This collaboration, guided by Bold Reuse’s expertise in operationalizing reuse at scale, creates a fan-first, efficient model for other sports and entertainment venues to follow.

Technology First: RFID Tracking with Avery Dennison

In another groundbreaking move, Providence Park and Bold Reuse have piloted RFID-enabled reusable foodware in partnership with Avery Dennison. This system enables real-time tracking of inventory levels, reduces the need for manual counts, and provides unprecedented visibility into how many times each item is reused before retirement—giving sustainability efforts real, measurable data.

In partnership with Bold Reuse, the program utilizes reusable cups and vessels in designated areas of Providence Park. The designated seating areas include Tanner Ridge, adiClub, Lexus Lounge, First Tech Suites and Michelob ULTRA Pitchside.

Here is how it works:

1. Order your food, beer, wine, or cocktail as you normally would and admire it being served in a sustainable, reusable vessel or cup.

2. After enjoying the food and beverage, please return the cup to a nearby reuse collection bin. Doing so it can be reused many times and drive positive environmental impact with each reuse.

3. Bold Reuse will pick up the vessels and cups after each event and inspect, sanitize, and repackage them to be reused again and again.

Cups and vessels are intended for in-stadium use to reduce our waste. The more cups and vessels returned means the less resources and energy needed to create new ones. Return your cup and vessel so you can see it at the next event.

There is currently no additional charge associated with receiving your food and drink in a reusable vessel or cup. All we ask is that you return your vessel and cup to a return bin when done so we can continue to provide this service with no additional charge.

Bold Reuse’s commitment to health and safety is paramount. They have invested heavily in standard operating procedures which are on par with global food manufacturing facilities. Cups and vessels are sanitized in a low-heat dishwasher with chlorine, just as durable cups and vessels from your favorite local restaurant are.

Bold Reuse is a Portland-based, women-owned and operated start-up on a mission to end single-use waste by making reusable packaging easy for everybody. Want to know more?

Check out BoldReuse.com or visit their Bold resources.

This season, we're working with Bold Reuse to understand how fans engage with reusable cups and vessels. If return rates are high – meaning we’re driving impact – and fans enjoy the program, the plan is to roll out the cups and vessels to additional locations within the stadium.

For more information on reusables or Bold Reuse, visit BoldReuse.com