Photo: Left: 289176324 | © Walter Cicchetti | Dreamstime.com Right: Typical factory farm
Crypto.com Arena is one of the world’s busiest venues. The Los Angeles arena is home to three professional sports franchises: the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. And it has hosted high-profile events and concerts since its opening in 1999. Unfortunately, many of Crypto.com Arena’s guests are unknowingly served meat from chickens who suffered terribly because the venue’s food provider puts profits over animal welfare.
Chickens sourced for the arena’s concessions are typically birds bred to grow unnaturally large and fast. They often endure chronic pain, crippling deformities, and organ failure. Many even collapse and become unable to reach food and water.
Compass Group USA—the parent company of the arena’s food provider, Levy Restaurants—pledged to stop sourcing chicken meat from these ultrafast-growing birds. But years after making this promise, Compass Group has yet to share any evidence of concrete action to end their sourcing of birds bred for monstrous growth.
After learning about the suffering these animals endure and Compass Group’s failure to take meaningful action, 20 acclaimed athletes from around the world signed an open letter to Crypto.com Arena, urging the venue to champion progress for chickens:
“Crypto.com Arena is a revered institution, home to championship teams and unforgettable moments. The excellence you embody in your events should extend to your partnerships and supply chain, particularly regarding animal welfare.”
The athletes agree that as a client of Compass Group, Crypto.com Arena has the power and responsibility to demand better.
The letter was signed by Dotsie Bausch (American Olympic silver medalist and former world record holder, track cycling), Seba Johnson (history-making two-time Olympian), Kendrick Farris (American Olympian), Marcus Daniell (New Zealand former tennis player and Olympic bronze medalist), Dave Leduc (Canadian-Burmese lethwei fighter and six-time world champion), Nimai Delgado (American IFBB pro bodybuilder), R. K. Russell (American former professional football player), Jeremy Reijnders (two-time fittest man of the Netherlands), Zoe Jarvis (American pro volleyball player), Torre Washington (American pro bodybuilder), Korin Sutton (American pro bodybuilder), Asaf Goren (Pro breakdancer and Ninja Warrior), Paolo Mascitti (celebrity trainer), Alexandra Paul (American triathlete and actress), Ian Murray (USA triathlon elite coach), Leilani Münter (American former race car driver), Max Hoffmann (German champion, triathlon middle distance), Jason Fonger (Canadian triathlete), Brendon Bale (British rugby player), and Liam Linke (American youth soccer player).
Join Mercy For Animals and these world-renowned athletes in speaking up for animals by calling on Compass Group USA to take meaningful steps to end their reliance on chickens bred to suffer. Take action at bit.ly/compasscruelty.
