The New York Mets have added a self-checkout kiosk to Citi Field, partnering with Aramark, CLEAR and Mashgin on a grab-and-go stand that uses biometric tools to facilitate a quick sale.
This pilot effort allows fans to select foods and beverages from the Walk Thru Bru express self-checkout kiosk, completing their purchase with a single touch, and be on their way in seconds. The fully automated experience combines Mashgin’s AI-powered self-checkout kiosk and CLEAR’s biometric identity platform. The process:
- Choosing your items
- Putting them on the Mashgin unit for scanning
- Placing your fingers on the fingerprint reader
- CLEAR charges the items selected to the credit card on file, and you’re on your way
When items placed on the unit also include an alcoholic beverage, CLEAR simultaneously verifies that the member is of legal drinking age before completing the transaction. The point isn’t to reduce labor costs–in fact, an Aramark worker will continue to be assigned to the stand–but rather to allows fans to get what they need quickly and easily while providing venue and concession operators with a more reliable and secure way to do age verification.
“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.”
“Enhancing the game experience for our fans remains a priority, and this innovative solution will help further their experience while at Citi Field,” said 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.”
Located behind Section 130, the fully-automated Walk Thru Bru is available to CLEAR members at all remaining home games this regular season. For fans who are not members, CLEAR Ambassadors will be onsite to assist with free enrollment, which can be used immediately.
“The New York Mets are terrific partners because they are committed to enhancing every aspect of the fan experience, from gate-to-seat and beyond,” said Ed O’Brien, CLEAR’s Head of Sports. “We’re excited to be working with the Mets, Aramark, and Mashgin to reimagine the concessions experience so fans get what they want quickly and easily and get back to their seats without missing any of the action on the field.”
CLEAR technology is already in use in multiple ballparks, offering dedicated lines for existing customers that allows CLEAR users to bypass the slower security lines. In Seattle, CLEAR members at T-Mobile Park the ability to purchase concessions with the tap of a finger, with biometrics replacing an ID for age validation and credit card.
Images courtesy CLEAR.
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