Features

Kings debut innovative pouring tech at Golden 1 Center

The Sacramento Kings NBA basketball franchise has teamed up with NINA to introduce an Internet of Things-powered smart pouring solution at Golden 1 Center.

NINA’s bottle-mounted device and app will allow fans to skip lines at Golden 1 Center. The Kings said the initiative will make Golden 1 Center the first arena in the world to let suite and loft guests pour their own drinks through an IoT-powered device and app.

The initiative will provide a more personalised experience for guests at Kings games and other events held at the arena. NINA launched in five suites and one loft last month and will expand to all remaining suites and lofts in the coming months.

NINA’s technology connects a digital device to the top of liquor bottles, which allows hosts, guests and arena staff to monitor and control how much alcohol is being poured. Screens in the suites and lofts will then allow fans to pay for a drink, unlock a bottle and pour the exact amount they want.

John Rinehart, president of business operations for the Kings, said: “We’re thrilled to offer guests in our suites and lofts an efficient and safe way to enjoy drinks at Golden 1 Center. NINA’s technology will be a game changer for our suite and loft hosts, allowing them to customise the event experience down to the individual level.”

Yair Marom, NINA chief executive and co-founder, added: “We’re proud to partner with the Sacramento Kings to disrupt the beverage industry and bring NINA’s self-pouring platform to sports for the first time.

“From cashierless checkout to in-seat ordering, there is no sports team more committed to bringing their guests the best possible experience than the Kings. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work closely with the Kings’ industry-leading technology team on creative solutions to ensure fans have fun and stay safe.”

The Kings said the guest response to the NINA technology has been “extremely positive” and that suites and lofts utilising NINA have benefited from significant revenue increases year-on-year.

Golden 1 Center has introduced a number of tech-focused initiatives to enhance the fan experience. Last year, the Kings debuted the NBA’s first dedicated space for a free-to-play, in-arena predictive gaming experience, while earlier this season a checkout-free convenience store was launched at the arena through a link-up with Zippin.

Earlier this month, the Kings partnered with Intel to launch the NBA’s first research and development site at Golden 1 Center. The site will test the latest immersive video technology.

Image: Sacramento Kings