Atlanta Falcons Fans Can Now Pay for Snacks with a Face Scan

Atlanta Falcons fans can now enter the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and make purchases using a facial recognition system, eliminating the need for phones, IDs, or credit cards. By taking a selfie in the ticketing app or at the entrance, fans can enter through dedicated lanes and make transactions at concession stands without physical tickets or payment methods. The system charges purchases directly to the user’s chosen payment method.

The biometric technology is part of a growing trend in sports venues, seen with teams like the New York Mets and Cleveland Browns, and even at Miami’s Formula 1 race. It aims to speed up entry and reduce hassle during game day. AT&T, which powers the stadium’s connectivity, ensures data security and fan privacy.

While the system is optional, allowing fans to use traditional tickets and payments, some concerns about biometric data security persist.

The technology has popped up across a number of venues recently. Notable examples include Citi Field in New York, Pechanga Arena in San Diego, and Save Mart Center in Fresno, all of which have integrated facial recognition technology for both entry and concession purchases. Many stadiums have also installed TendedBar machines that use facial recognition for age verification and alcohol sales.

The technology behind these biometric systems is provided by a range of companies and vendors. Key players include Wicket, which offers facial authentication software; Amazon, with its palm-based Amazon One system; and IDmission, which partners with Zippin and Aramark for face-based payment solutions.

As the trend continues to evolve, more sports venues are likely to adopt biometric payment systems in the near future, reflecting a broader digital transformation occurring in the sports and entertainment industry.

Source: Fast Company

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September 6, 2024 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team