News

Clear teams with Mashgin on fully automated concessions at Mets stadium

September 25, 2019

New York Mets fans can now purchase snacks from a self-checkout kiosk at Citi Field, thanks to a collaboration between Mashgin, a provider of self-checkout kiosks that use artificial intelligence to scan multiple items at once, and Clear, a secure identity company that uses biometrics, according to a press release.

Aramark, the food and beverage provider at Citi Field and eight other MLB parks, operates the Walk Thru Bru express self-checkout kiosk.

Patrons choose items, place them on the Mashgin kiosk for scanning and touch the fingerprint reader. Clear then charges the selected items to the buyer's credit card.

When an alcoholic beverage is placed, Clear verifies the buyer is of legal drinking age before completing the transaction. An Aramark customer service representative will be stationed at the stand to assist guests and enforce service policies.

"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, in the release.

"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," Mets Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Lou DePaoli said in the release. 

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.

Earlier this season, Clear and the Mets began a pilot of an all-in-one entry experience at the Jackie Robinson Rotunda gate that enables members to enter Citi Field using their face as their ticket and move through physical security screening. The solution provides fans with a faster, less intrusive and secure way into the ballpark.

With the introduction of the Clear-powered self-checkout kiosk, Citi Field is the first ballpark to provide fans with a completely frictionless gate-to-seat experience.

Clear initially launched biometric concessions at CenturyLink Field and T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, and that marked the first time biometrics replaced both ID for age validation and a credit card for payment in the U.S., according to the release. The company won a SXSW Interactive Innovation Award for the experience. 

Photo courtesy of Aramark.