Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, implemented a cashless system in 2019, joining a growing number of professional sports venues going cashless. This move was part of an effort to speed up transactions and provide a more convenient experience for fans. However, it also raised concerns about leaving some fans behind who rely on cash. As more stadiums and arenas adopt cashless systems, it’s important to understand the pros and cons and ensure all fans can still enjoy the live event experience.
What does it mean for a stadium to be cashless?
A cashless stadium does not accept cash for any transactions. Fans must pay with credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, or prepaid cards. This eliminates the need for cash handling at concession stands and retail stores, allowing for faster transaction times. Many cashless stadiums also allow fans to order food and merchandise directly from their seats for delivery through mobile apps. Cashless systems provide data on fan spending habits as all purchases are electronic.
Why did Soldier Field go cashless?
In March 2019, Soldier Field announced all concessions and merchandise purchases inside the stadium would be cashless. The stated reasons for implementing the cashless system were to:
- Speed up transaction times at concession stands and retail stores
- Reduce the labor costs and security risks of handling cash
- Give fans the convenience of using credit and mobile payment options
- Gain data on fan spending habits to improve offerings
The Chicago Bears organization said the cashless system resulted in up to 35% faster transactions during the first year. Fans could get back to their seats more quickly after making purchases.
What payment options exist at Soldier Field?
Fans have several cashless payment options at Soldier Field:
- Credit cards – All major credit cards are accepted
- Debit cards – Cards linked directly to a checking account
- Prepaid cards – Can be purchased with cash and used at the stadium
- Mobile payments – Platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Chicago Bears app – Can be loaded with funds and used for purchases
Prepaid cards allow those without bank accounts or credit cards to still make cashless purchases. The Chicago Bears app also provides a cashless option for those who prefer not to use bank cards.
How has the cashless system been received at Soldier Field?
The cashless system at Soldier Field has received mixed reactions from fans:
Pros
- Faster wait times at concession stands
- Easier to make purchases, especially for larger orders
- Increased convenience through mobile ordering and delivery
- Eliminates hassles of getting change or cash running low
Many fans praise the system for speeding up the purchasing process. Mobile ordering for delivery is also popular, allowing fans to stay in their seats.
Cons
- Unable to pay with cash
- Fees for prepaid cards and withdrawals from cash machines
- Connectivity issues can disrupt digital payments
- Data and privacy concerns over all purchases being tracked
The biggest complaint is over the inability to use cash. There are also concerns about data collection and connectivity problems that could disrupt transactions. Some see cashless as an inconvenience or barrier for certain fans.
Have cashless policies expanded to other stadiums?
The cashless trend has spread quickly across pro, college, and even high school sports venues:
- All major pro leagues have teams with cashless policies
- Ohio State, LSU, Texas, and other major college programs are cashless
- Even some high school venues have adopted cashless payments
Pro sports teams with cashless venues
League | Cashless Teams |
---|---|
NFL | Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks |
MLB | Cleveland Guardians, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants |
NBA | Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder |
NHL | Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals |
Proponents see cashless as the new normal at stadiums and a sign of progress. Critics argue it marginalizes some socioeconomic groups. But the movement continues to gain steam.
What are the pros and cons of cashless stadiums?
There are good arguments on both sides of the cashless stadium debate:
Potential Pros
- Shorter concession and merchandise lines
- Lower labor costs without cash handling
- Fewer incorrect change situations
- Increased convenience through mobile platforms
- Discourages counterfeit bill use
- Allows for more detailed sales data collection
Proponents tout faster transactions, improved operations, and better customer experiences. Cashless also provides more data on fan spending.
Potential Cons
- Unable to pay with cash
- Fees associated with prepaid cards or ATMs
- Connectivity issues can disrupt sales
- Data security and privacy concerns
- Not all own bank accounts or cards to go cashless
- Could negatively impactlower income fans
The main criticism is excluding unbanked or cash-preferring fans. There are also concerns about data collection and technical Issues disrupting sales.
What options exist for fans without bank accounts or cards?
While credit/debit cards and mobile payments are the easiest cashless options, stadiums offer some alternatives for the unbanked:
Prepaid cards
Prepaid cards can be loaded with cash then used for purchases. Fees generally apply to obtain prepaid cards, which could be an inconvenience.
Kiosks
Some stadiums have self-serve kiosks where fans can load cash onto cards to be used at the venue. This allows cash to be accepted while still going cashless.
Cash-to-card machines
Fans can convert bills into prepaid debit cards at automated kiosks. This lets anyone with cash get a card to make cashless purchases. Fees often apply though.
Concession credits
A few stadiums like the Brooklyn Nets’ arena allow fans to preorder concession credits with cash at the box office for use at stands. This gets around the cashless transactions.
How has cashless impacted stadium concession sales?
Stadiums have reported increased concession sales and per caps after going cashless:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium saw 53% rise in per cap spending
- Los Angeles Dodgers reported 25% increase in food and drink sales
- Atlanta Falcons had 10% boost in purchases and 16% rise in per caps
With faster transaction times, fans may be more willing to purchase items knowing they won’t miss much game action returning to seats. Cashless data also lets teams analyze purchase patterns and adjust offerings to drive more sales.
Average Per Cap Spending at Cashless Stadiums
Stadium | League | Per Cap Spending |
---|---|---|
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | NFL | $21.34 |
Amway Center | NBA | $19.38 |
Coors Field | MLB | $17.83 |
State Farm Arena | NBA | $14.47 |
Fans spend 20-50% more on average at cashless venues compared to the industry standard $12-$15 per cap.
What safeguards protect fans at cashless stadiums?
To ensure all fans’ needs are met and protect consumer rights, cashless stadiums have implemented several policies:
Prepaid cards
Lower-cost prepaid cards with no-fees or discounts are sold to provide a cashless option for unbanked fans.
Accepting cash at box office
Some facilities allow cash purchases of prepaid concession credits at box offices. This satisfies cash payment needs.
Assisted self-serve kiosks
Staffed kiosks provide assistance to fans converting cash to prepaid cards onsite. This facilitates the transition to cashless.
Signage and awareness campaigns
Venues inform fans ahead of time through signs, social media, email, and other channels of cashless policies so they can prepare properly.
Secure digital infrastructure
State-of-the-art systems and encryption protect fans against potential fraud or data theft associated with digital payments.
Conclusion
The implementation of a cashless system at Chicago’s Soldier Field, along with many other stadiums, has advantages like faster transactions but also raises concerns about inclusion and data privacy. While the converting to cashless has become more popular across sports venues, focus must remain on ensuring all fans can still conveniently access and enjoy the live game experience. Amenities like prepaid card programs and cash-to-card machines work to accommodate unbanked patrons. With the proper safeguards, cashless stadiums can provide the faster, seamless experience that today’s fans expect without leaving any groups behind. The cashless model seems likely to expand further, but execution will be key.