MetLife Stadium will switch to operating a mobile ticketing and cash-free model when New York Giants and New York Jets fans return to the venue.
MetLife Stadium has detailed newly implemented Stadium Safe protocols for all upcoming events, including NFL American football games. The 82,500-seat venue has returned to 100% capacity in the seating bowl, suites, and clubs for all events with no physical distancing requirements.
Face masks are not required for entry and guests are not required to show a negative COVID-19 test or provide proof of vaccination to enter the stadium. However, fans are asked to commit to a ‘Health Promise’ whereby they pledge that by entering MetLife Stadium, they have not been exposed to COVID-19, are not experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms, or have a temperature of 100.4°F or greater.
To reduce touchpoints, MetLife Stadium has implemented mobile ticketing upon entry and cash-free transactions at all concession stands and retail locations. Giants and Jets games will also offer guests mobile ordering and ‘Grab and Go’ food and beverage options.
The NFL season at MetLife Stadium kicks off on August 14 when the Giants face the Jets in their first preseason game. This will be the first NFL game with fans in attendance at MetLife Stadium since the Giants’ meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles on December 29, 2019.
It was confirmed that MetLife Stadium would open at full capacity for the coming season back in May. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy gave the green light for MetLife Stadium to stage games without social distancing, after it did not welcome fans during the entire 2020 season due to the state’s COVID-19 restrictions.
The NFL will open its 2021 season at full capacity after the Indianapolis Colts last month became the final team to secure clearance for full attendance at its stadium.
In other stadium operations news, English League Two football club Leyton Orient has said its Breyer Group Stadium will go cashless this season. The London venue will be 100% cashless, incorporating ticketing, club shop and the various bars and catering units around the stadium, including hospitality suites.
Leyton Orient CEO, Danny Macklin, said: “As a club we are keen to speed up service during busy times on match days. We notice a good number of sport clubs are adopting the same approach.
“In the coming month we will also be testing a new mobile ordering app for fans to order from the comfort of their seat and collect their items from a dedicated section of the relevant catering unit.”
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