Features

LAFC adds new feature for in-game ordering

Major League Soccer franchise Los Angeles FC has expanded its partnership with Satisfi Labs by adding the Apple Business Chat function to its virtual assistant platform.

The function will give users the opportunity to communicate directly with businesses using the Messages app on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.

LAFC first partnered with Satisfi Labs in 2018. As part of the agreement, the team’s in-app virtual assistant, Olly, uses Satisfi Labs’ AI-powered knowledge management platform.

The new ‘Order-Ahead’ offering will seek to enhance the fan experience at Banc of California Stadium. The feature includes food and beverage pre-ordering and allows fans to order and purchase items in the chat flow before picking up their items at their convenience.

Guests at LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium could previously only access Olly through the official club app. The introduction of Apple Business Chat will make it easier for fans to order items though the Messages app on Apple devices.

Christian Lau, LAFC’s vice-president of information technology, said: “We want our customers to feel in full control of their experience when they come to an LAFC match. Satisfi Labs has allowed us to provide a seamless, clean integration with Apple Business Chat, which gives us a powerful and engaging direct connection with our customers.

“The majority of our customers use iOS, and we always want to exceed their expectations when they come to see a match. Apple Business Chat makes communicating with LAFC as easy as messaging a friend, so we expect it will quickly become our customers’ preferred customer service channel.”

Don White, chief executive of Satisfi Labs, added: “We’re excited to expand our offerings in AI conversational commerce with an organisation that is forward-looking and always putting the customer first. We have seen incredible engagement and success with Olly. This new offering in the Banc of California Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility, will continue the legacy of LAFC elevating the customer experience through valuable and successful interactions.”

To start an Apple Business Chat to Order-Ahead, fans will be required to scan a QR code through their camera in the stadium. A conversation with Olly will then open straight away in the Messages app.

The new feature is a collaboration between LAFC, Satisfi Labs, Tapin2 and concessionaire Legends.

Image: BagmanTheEditor