The New York Mets and Aramark, the food and beverage provider for Citi Field, have begun a new era of beverage payments by introducing biometrics to fans of the Major League Baseball team.
The solution is part of a collaboration with CLEAR, an identity company that utilises biometric technology, and Mashgin, a creator of self-checkout kiosks that use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scan multiple items at once.
“As an industry leader, we’re continually researching innovative ways to utilize digital technology to create a more streamlined, convenient and frictionless process that allows fans to purchase food faster and get back to their seats,” said Carl Mittleman, president of Aramark’s Sports & Entertainment Division.
“The fully-automated self-checkout we’re testing with the Mets, CLEAR and Mashgin is just the latest example of us working to transform the in-venue dining experience and delivering solutions that meet the needs and preferences of our clients and guests.”
Fans can now purchase snacks and beverages via the ‘Walk Thru Bru’ express self-checkout kiosk, with a single touch by placing your fingers on the fingerprint reader.
When items placed on the unit also include an alcoholic beverage, CLEAR will verify the member is of legal drinking age before completing the transaction.
“Enhancing the game experience for our fans remains a priority, and this innovative solution will help further their experience while at Citi Field,” stated Mets Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer Lou DePaoli.
“We appreciate the innovation, flexibility, and partnership which will allow us to be the first ballpark utilizing these digital technologies across the ticketing, security, and concession platforms for our fans.”
Ben Miller, Mashgin’s Chief Strategy Officer added: “Aramark and the Mets are constantly innovating to push the fan experience forward for the loyal fans at Citi Field so we are excited to partner with them to launch this combined offering for the first time in all of sports.”
“Integrating CLEAR’s best-in-class capabilities into the Mashgin automated kiosk adds tremendous value to round out the next-generation experience we are building and offers unparalleled speed and convenience to the fans.”
