University of Dayton has become one of the first major sports venues to accept mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) for age verification, implementing the technology during the NCAA March Madness First Four basketball games this week. The system allows attendees to verify their age for alcohol purchases using digital IDs stored in Apple Wallet on their iPhone or Apple Watch.
The implementation at UD Arena, which hosted the March 18-19 First Four games, used Credence ID’s Tap2iD Verifier technology, which has already been certified for use with Ohio’s digital IDs. The system aimed to reduce wait times while enhancing security through more reliable verification methods compared to traditional physical ID checks.
This digital transformation represents a milestone in modernizing age verification at large sporting events, particularly as mobile ID adoption continues to expand across the United States. The technology allows venue staff to quickly and securely verify attendees’ ages without physically handling identification documents, streamlining the purchase process for age-restricted products.
Credence ID’s verification system works seamlessly with Apple’s mobile ID initiative, which has been gradually expanding across various states. The technology reads encrypted ID information directly from users’ devices, maintaining privacy while ensuring accurate verification. The company has recently strengthened its technological capabilities with new patents related to digital identification technologies.
The adoption of mobile ID verification at UD Arena aligns with a growing trend among major venues to embrace digital solutions for improving operational efficiency and enhancing the spectator experience. This implementation during March Madness, one of college basketball’s most prominent events, could serve as a model for other sports venues considering similar technology upgrades.
Source: Dayton Flyers
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March 20, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
