Vivint Smart Home Arena, home of the Utah Jazz, will become a cash-free concessions venue by next spring as part of a phased-in process that starts this weekend.
Beginning on October 5 with the first Jazz preseason game, select locations on the main and upper concourses at Vivint Smart Home Arena will only accept credit, debit and prepaid cards and mobile payments for sales during events. Cash-free transactions will be phased in at all food and beverage points of purchase by the spring of 2020.
The arena worked with sports and entertainment technology and analytics leader E15 Group to develop the approach based on best practices identified from years of testing and recent implementations at other professional sports facilities.
“We are constantly looking for ways to innovate the guest experience and our pilot program this summer has shown that a cash-free environment results in faster moving lines and increased fan satisfaction,” said Jim Olson, president of Vivint Smart Home Arena. “This conversion to cash-free zones will increase the efficiency of arena operations, allowing for a better fan experience.”
Select arena food and beverage locations will accept credit, debit and prepaid cards, Jazz Notes, Utah Jazz + Vivint Arena app digital wallet, loaded tickets and food vouchers.
For guests without an electronic form of payment, five cash-to-card kiosks will also be located on the main and upper concourses to help guests convert cash to a Mastercard prepaid debit card. There is no fee to use the machines and the pre-paid cards can be used anywhere inside or outside the arena. The first bill loaded must be at least $5.
“We believe our fans will appreciate and adapt quickly to the cash-free concession stands, and there will be plenty of signage in the arena to indicate the payment options,” Olson said. “Whether it is a game, concert or show, our intent is for guests to enjoy their dining experience and not miss any of the entertainment.”
The early-adopting hospitality providers to the cash-free system include R&R Barbeque, El Chubasco, Dippin’ Dots, Hop Shop, Totally Nutz and Farr Ice Cream on the main concourse and Chick-fil-A, El Chubasco, Hop Shop, Summit Snacks, Dippin’ Dots, Farr Ice Cream, Corona Cantina, Tenders and Bon Bon on the upper concourse. Beverage sales in the Toyota Club on level two will be cash-free transactions.
The Utah Jazz + Vivint Arena app will allow fans to purchase and manage tickets, make retail purchases, and receive updates about games and events. All food and beverage locations at Vivint Smart Home Arena will now accept the Jazz app digital wallet. Guests will also have the option to skip the line at R&R Barbeque and El Chubasco by ordering express pick-up via the Jazz app or online at www.vivintarena.com/skiptheline.
