Clear to provide biometrics for concessions purchases at New York’s Citi Field

Clear will provide biometrics for automated concession stands at Citi Field through a partnership with the New York Mets, food and beverage giant Aramark, and automated self-checkout kiosk maker Mashgin, according to an announcement.

The artificial intelligence-powered Walk Thru Bru express self-checkout kiosk from Mashgin allows fans to perform the purchase process for snacks and beverages with fingerprint biometrics. Items for purchase are placed on the Mashgin unit, which scans them, and Clear charges the items to the credit card on file associated with the customer’s fingerprint biometrics. If an alcoholic beverage is purchased, Clear also verifies the customer’s age eligibility before completing the transaction.

The process allows fans to purchase concessions quickly and easily while providing venue and concession operators with improved reliability and security for age verification, according to the announcement. An Aramark employee will be stationed at the stand to help customers and enforce 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,” comments 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.”

“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,” says Clear Head of Sports Ed O’Brien. “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.”

Walk Thru Bru is available to all Clear members during the remaining home games of the 2019 regular season. Clear ambassadors will also be present to assist new free enrollments, and new members can use the automated concession stand immediately.

Clear technology was deployed for stadium entry at Citi Field earlier in the season, and the company’s technology is already in use for concessions at Seattle Mariners home games. Aramark has also previously deployed Mashgin units to several ballparks, including Citi Field.

Article Topics

age verification  |  biometrics  |  CLEAR  |  fingerprint authentication  |  identity verification  |  POS  |  retail biometrics