Technology

Tech Stack: Baltimore Ravens, Ball Arena and more

Featured image credit: Matthew Binebrink/CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED/Edited for size

Shift4, a provider of integrated payments and commerce technology, has announced a partnership with the Baltimore Ravens to power payments for the NFL team’s ticketing transactions as well as in-venue concession sales at M&T Bank Stadium.

The Ravens are using Shift4’s VenueNext point-of-sale technologies, including mobile and kiosk-based ordering and payment, for faster transactions. Shift4’s integration to SeatGeek will also be utilised for ticketing transactions.

Kevin Rochlitz, senior vice-president and chief sales officer for the Ravens, said: “Shift4’s state-of-the-art technology will help streamline transactional processes across numerous points of sale.

“With ease of purchase and limited wait times at the forefront of our ever-evolving commerce and gameday strategies, this partnership arrives at an optimal time. Together, these enhancements will deliver an elevated fan experience.”

Evolv Technology, a provider of AI-based weapons detection security screening, has announced an expanded partnership with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment to introduce its Evolv Express screening solution at Denver’s Ball Arena for the 2023-24 season.

Ball Arena is home of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and National Lacrosse League team Colorado Mammoth. Prior to partnering with Evolv, Ball Arena used metal detectors at its entry points.

Ball Arena is the latest KSE property to introduce Evolv Express, joining Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, home of Major League Soccer team Colorado Rapids, and SoFi Stadium, home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. Ball Arena utilises nine Evolv Express systems to screen fans at all of its entrances.

Meta-Stadiums, an entertainment and gaming metaverse and NFT platform, has partnered with AI metaverse company MeetKai to create what it claims is the first-ever “premier soccer universe”.

The Meta-Stadium will transport fans into a virtual realm where they can watch matches with select clubs and FIFA teams. Supporters can immerse themselves in the stadium district as realistic 3D avatars.

Fans can also sit in press boxes or VIP sky boxes at the virtual stadium and recreate the atmosphere of a match from their preferred vantage point.

Chilean Primera División football club Universidad Católica has announced that its new stadium will feature sustainable air conditioning technology that was used during last year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Electrical appliances manufacturer Midea will provide the air conditioning equipment for the stadium, which will have a capacity of 20,000. The technology will be provided in various areas of the stadium, including dressing rooms, premium boxes and VIP areas, and the press area.

ASM Global has teamed up with distributed energy resource platform and virtual power plant operator Voltus to pay selected ASM Global-managed venues for energy reduction efforts.

The partnership covers all venues located in wholesale and regulated power markets in the US.

The deal has been signed after ASM Global Acts earlier this year announced a plan to convert its portfolio into the most sustainable venues in the world. The plan includes reducing energy consumption by 25% by 2030 from this year’s baseline and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.