Major League Baseball’s New York Mets and software company Wicket have partnered to bring Facial Authentication to Citi Field, the team’s home stadium.
The deployment will begin facial access control for staff and vendors.
A successful pilot was run during the second half of the 2021 season, and the Mets will now introduce more facial access lanes, where fans do not have to produce a paper or mobile ticket in order to enter Citi Field. Wicket’s facial authentication technology will also be used to boost access control for sensitive areas such as the clubhouse and front offices.
The Mets Entry Express program is a 100% voluntary opt-in program for a faster, touch-less entry into the Citi Field ballpark and was launched in August this year. The system uses dedicated lanes and involves fans enrolling online to be able to use the service.
Starting on Opening Day in 2022, Mets Entry Express lanes will be available at all gates at Citi Field, as well as the entrances for premium seating club areas.
Mark Brubaker, chief technology officer for the Mets, said: “Wicket is a primary example of the commitment from our owner Steve Cohen to significantly invest in the most cutting-edge and advanced technology that provides our fans an even better experience at Citi Field.
“We’re proud to partner with Wicket following a very rigorous pilot that showed them to be far ahead of the competition.”
Sanjay Manandhar, chief executive of Wicket, added: “We are thrilled that the Mets chose Wicket as their facial authentication partner. Mets fans who opt into the program will realise the benefits of shorter lines, beginning with ticketing as they enter Citi Field.
“We are excited to have a forward-thinking partner such as the Mets, who are re-thinking how technology can provide a better experience for fans visiting today’s ballparks.”
Image: Tomas Eidsvold on Unsplash
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