Footprint Center Takes Another Safe Step Forward with GBAC STAR Facility Reaccreditation
ROSEMONT, Ill.—Feb. 24, 2022—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,” said 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.”
Learn more and apply for GBAC STAR Accreditation at gbac.org/star.
Find accredited facilities and those pursuing accreditation via the GBAC STAR Facility Directory at gbac.org/directory.
About Suns Legacy Partners LLC
Suns Legacy Partners LLC operates the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Footprint Center. The Suns are Arizona’s original professional sports franchise anchored by 2021 Coach of the Year Monty Williams, 2021 Executive of the Year general manager James Jones and a roster featuring future Hall of Famer Chris Paul and All-Star Devin Booker. The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury just celebrated its 25th season led by 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalists Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins-Smith. Footprint Center in the heart of downtown Phoenix, recently completed a US$250 million transformation, making it the preeminent destination for sports and entertainment in the southwest.
About GBAC, a Division of ISSA
Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization’s services include biorisk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration® response and remediation, the GBAC STAR™ facility and service accreditation programs, training and certification of individuals and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information, visit www.gbac.org.
About ISSA
With more than 10,500 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.
For more information, contact ISSA Director of Communications Jill Nuppenau at [email protected]; phone, 847-982-0800 Ext. 1367.
