NFL American football franchise the Las Vegas Raiders has announced that Allegiant Stadium will be the first venue in US pro sports to open as a cashless facility, once fans are allowed to attend.
The Raiders said that as part of efforts to provide fans and patrons with a world-class sports and live entertainment experience, and in response to feedback, cash will not be accepted as a form of payment at any stadium-controlled parking location or within Allegiant Stadium.
The venue will host its first NFL game on September 21 against the New Orleans Saints, but the team announced last month that the new 65,000-seat facility will be closed to Raiders fans for the 2020 season amid ongoing restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commenting on the cashless stance, the Raiders said: “We are thrilled about the impact on the fan experience, as cashless transactions are expected to significantly increase our speed of service, meaning shorter lines, getting fans back to their seats faster. A survey of our PSL (Personal Seat License) Holders also showed that our fans overwhelmingly agree, as a huge majority prefer cashless payment options.”
The Raiders also said the decision falls in line with recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control, and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak’s leadership in response to the pandemic, through both his Medical Advisory Team and emergency directive urging businesses to adopt contactless payment systems.
Fans will be able to pay for items using valid debit or credit cards, or mobile wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. For fans who only bring cash to the stadium, there will be several cash-to-card kiosks positioned throughout the venue.
Read more about the vision behind Allegiant Stadium in our feature here.
Image: Las Vegas Raiders
