More Stadiums Add Self-Ordering Technology

Aramark Sports + Entertainment, the food and beverage provider at seven National Hockey League (NHL) and National Basketball Association (NBA) arenas, is embarking on a new season of hospitality innovations, including several tech advancements combined with a variety of fresh menu creations and culinary collaborations.

In the U.S. and Canada, Aramark Sports + Entertainment is "expanding frictionless ordering capabilities across all venues to make various dining touchpoints on gameday more efficient, and we’re bringing culinary star power to in-arena restaurants and concession stands with notable chef partnerships and trending menu creations that are full of flavor and make a statement," said Alison Birdwell, President and CEO of Aramark Sports + Entertainment.

Technologies include:

• AI Self-Checkout:
  • Grab-and-go service models paired with near-contactless checkout devices will quickly get fans back to the game. These technologies will be offered in a new Drink Mkt at Capital One Arena (Section 106) as well as Canadian Tire Centre’s multiple Drink Mkt and Walk Thru Bru locations, which will roll out portable versions of the concept along with a dedicated walk-in store – marking the first implementation of this AI-powered checkout technology in Canada.
  • AT&T Center will also feature AI self-checkout capabilities with self-dispensing popcorn machines selling Spurs Pop: Fiesta-Inspired Kettle Corn, in two arena locations.
• Autonomous Market: The Drink Mkt brand will expand with two additional locations at Capital One Arena that offer autonomous, checkout-free technology (Section 108, 116).
• Digital Age Verification: Spurs fans at AT&T Center will be able to order cocktails via automated cocktail bars using facial recognition technology once registered with a valid government-issued ID. (Section 115)
• Mobile Ordering: The convenient ability to order and pay for food, beverage, and merchandise using a mobile device continues to be a key factor in enhancing fans’ dining experience on game day. This season, Wells Fargo Center will implement Club Level mobile ordering with delivery to all seats. PPG Paints Arena will launch a new offering from its dual-chamber, temperature-controlled food lockers located at the Ford Food Garage in Section 115 with MoBowl, a gluten-free, customizable rice bowls concept.
• Self-Order Kiosks: Touch-to-order kiosks empower guests to customize their checkout interactions and increase autonomy and speed of service. Fans at AT&T Center will see a second Fan Favs Express concept (Section 126), but this time with self-checkout kiosks. Capital One Arena will also expand kiosk ordering with two Hall of Favs locations (Sections 106, 417) that feature popular concessions brands, and fans on Wells Fargo Center’s new Club Level will have the ability to order from kiosks with food delivery to their seats.

Aramark Sports + Entertainment serves more than 150 award-winning food and beverage, retail, and facility service programs in premier stadiums and venues across North America.