A British top flight football club has become the first to introduce “frictionless” technology.
Leicester City FC’s King Power Stadium is the first in Europe to install the system which will improve the speed fans can buy food and drink.
Other sporting venues may see this as an opportunity to bring in other ‘tap and go’ methods, especially in secure areas.
The Foxes’ supporters will be able to use the frictionless system when Leicester play Brentford on Sunday.
A club statement said: “When the Foxes hosted La Liga side Sevilla in a pre-season friendly on Filbert Way on Sunday 31 July, supporters were able to experience the Tap + Go technology for the first time in the North Stand Family Section. The system was also in operation for the FA Community Shield on Saturday 30 July when Liverpool played Manchester City.
“Operated by Levy UK+I, the sports and hospitality sector of Compass Group UK and Ireland, supporters simply need to tap a payment card upon entry into the kiosk, pick up the items they want and walk out of the gates onto the concourse, where their card will be automatically charged – a process which takes a matter of seconds.
“Utilising frictionless technology, Tap + Go is operated via anonymised shopper tracking which recognises the products being selected by customers, before adding them to a virtual basket. Facial recognition is not needed, ensuring complete anonymity.
“Checkouts will be replaced by the installation of fully contactless payment terminals connected to the digital barriers upon exit, enabling fans to make purchases in a fraction of the time and with far greater ease.”
Leicester City Operations Director, Anthony Mundy, said: “We are constantly looking at new solutions to improve the stadium experience for fans. The launch of Tap + Go at our venue will enable us to take the fan experience to the next level by making it easier than ever for guests to purchase and enjoy our first-class food and beverage offerings. We are confident that our partnership with Levy UK+I will continue to make the future of hospitality accessible to our guests.”
Rak Kalidas, Commercial Director, Levy UK+I commented: “The truly frictionless F&B purchase experience created through Tap + Go marks a major step forward for Leicester City and the fan experience at King Power Stadium.
“In an industry currently teeming with innovation, this technology is a fine example of how Levy UK+I stands out in taking the hospitality sector forwards further and faster. We are proud to be working closely with our venue partners to offer guests a revolutionary experience that goes beyond anything currently available in UK stadia.”
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