LaLiga football club RCD Espanyol has claimed a first for Spain with plans to create a cashless stadium through a link-up with financial services company CaixaBank.
The two parties will create an official mobile app that will eliminate the need for fans to bring cash or cards to the 40,000-capacity RCDE Stadium on match days.
The app will use an integrated wallet to enhance business services, in doing so creating LaLiga’s first cashless stadium.
The app will allow fans to order everything they need on a match day and pick it up at the stadium using their smartphones. Features of the app include smooth entry to the stadium, ticket transfers and the ability to purchase food and drinks.
The app will launch in the next 15 days and will be available to all fans, regardless of whether they are a CaixaBank customer.
When wishing to order food or drinks on match days, fans are asked by the app where they are based in the stadium before being told of the nearest point of sale. Fans can access the click-and-collect stalls around the stadium without having to queue.
When entering the stadium, fans can use a QR card on their smartphone. The system will work for one-off tickets and season tickets.
Espanyol’s marketing and commercial director Agustí Filomeno said: “All the transactions will interest fans, from information consultation to the opportunity to not have to bring cash because everything can be done from the app.
“In fact, the app is designed so that supporters do not have to bring a physical card to access the stadium and can enter with a mobile phone or, if they cannot come, with a couple of clicks by giving it to another person.”
CaixaBank is an official sponsor of Espanyol.
Image: Elemaki
