Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has partnered with Wicket to launch BMO Stadium Express, a face-based authentication system designed to streamline ticketing and concessions and enhance the fan experience at home games.
With BMO Stadium Express, fans can opt to use their face as both their ticket and payment method, eliminating the need to carry physical tickets, phones, or wallets. The system will be available at dedicated entry points and select concession stands across BMO Stadium, offering a frictionless experience from entry to checkout. Importantly, participation in the facial authentication program is entirely optional—traditional ticketing and payment methods remain available for those who prefer them.
The initiative builds on Wicket’s successful deployments at NFL stadiums, including with the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons, where biometric systems have reduced wait times, improved security, and lowered operational costs. LAFC becomes one of the first Major League Soccer clubs to integrate this level of biometric technology into its fan engagement strategy.
“At LAFC, we are committed to redefining the live sports experience through advanced technology,” said Christian Lau, LAFC’s Chief Technology Officer. “By integrating Wicket’s best-in-class facial authentication technology, we’re making it easier than ever for fans to get to their seats and enjoy the game.”
Fans can enroll through Wicket’s secure online enrollment portal or at on-site registration stations. To support adoption, LAFC is launching a full educational campaign with in-app notifications, stadium signage, instructional videos, and a dedicated FAQ landing page.
Beyond fan convenience, the partnership reflects a broader industry trend. Biometric technologies have proven effective at modern venues for accelerating entry, increasing sales conversion rates at concessions, and improving overall safety. At BMO Stadium, facial authentication is complemented by TruePort security-screening gateways from Xonar, which further integrate identity verification with fast, contactless entry—representing a holistic approach to fan-focused stadium technology.
“BMO Stadium Express demonstrates how thoughtful use of technology can genuinely improve the fan experience—making it simpler, faster, and more seamless,” said Alastair Partington, CEO of Wicket. “We’re proud to partner with LAFC to deliver this next generation of stadium innovation.”
Wicket has clarified that biometric data collected through BMO Stadium Express is not stored by Wicket, sold, or shared with third parties. Data remains the property of the team or venue, and images are converted into secure templates that cannot be reverse-engineered into photographs. The system is designed to comply with privacy frameworks, including elements inspired by GDPR, and uses advanced encryption to safeguard biometric information during transmission and storage.
Source: LAFC
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April 14, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
