Fans at Arrowhead Stadium will be able to buy food and merchandise using their phones. (Courtesy Tappit)
U.K. company brings mobile payment system to Arrowhead Stadium
The NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and U.K.-based Tappit on Thursday announced a multiyear partnership to bring a contactless mobile payment system to Arrowhead Stadium.
Tappit, which has a number of clients in Europe and the Middle East, is looking to expand its presence in North America, said the company’s CEO, Jason Thomas.
The firm’s white-label mobile payment technology, which will be integrated into the Chiefs’ brand through the team’s app, will give fans the ability to buy food, beverages and merchandise using their cell phones while linking to any number of payment options such as debit or credit cards or services such as Google Pay or Apple Pay.
The aim is to eliminate friction, add a level of safety amid the coronavirus pandemic by reducing cash transactions and also provide the team with useful data for marketing and operational purposes, Thomas said.
The app will allow connections between the team and fans for things like personalized vouchers, incentives and loyalty points, he said.
Tyler Epp, Chiefs executive vice president of business operations Tyler Epp, said in a release: “Tappit has an outstanding track record of working in the live event and hospitality industry around the world, including sports teams, international events and festivals.
“As we prepare to bring football back to Chiefs Kingdom, we are committed to the health and safety of our players, staff and fans. With cashless payments powered by Tappit, we’re one step closer to having fans back in Arrowhead Stadium safely, while minimizing person-to-person contact.”
The system also promises to reduce fraud and theft, Thomas said.
The technology is already being incorporated into the Chief’s mobile app and concession and merchandise points of sale at Arrowhead Stadium, where the general concessions are handled by Aramark and premium dining by Levy, are expected to be updated in the next several weeks.
The system uses VR codes that are scanned at points of sale after an order is placed, Thomas said.
The Chiefs’ season opener is scheduled for Sept. 10 against the Houston Texans. Current plans call for a reduced-capacity crowd to be in attendance.
