Sports Venues Stepping into the 21st Century For Better Fan Experiences

Concessions make up a major portion of the revenue at sporting events, but fan preferences are becoming more refined in a number of ways. Large sports and events venues are managing higher expectations by modernizing facilities with mobilized concessions and self ordering kiosk systems to reduce concession wait times. Additionally, many stadiums are converting to more environmentally-responsible operations to appeal to a more socially-conscious fan base.

Investing in Modernization Now Protects Revenue in the Future

Until recently, attendees at major sporting events and concerts expected to wait in long lines and didn’t bat an eye at facilities using wasteful practices to deliver food, drinks, souvenirs, and good times. However, the last few decades have ushered in a faster pace with mobile technology, as well as a greater awareness of environmental issues.As a result, fans have shifted what they look for in their entertainment choices. They want to spend less time waiting in line, and they demand more reassurance that they are supporting sustainable businesses. What’s more, they are willing to pay higher prices for both.

How Sports Venues are Shortening Lines and Giving Fans Their Time Back

According to a recent survey conducted by Oracle, sports fans were willing to pay up to 42% more for concessions if wait times were cut in half. Implementing mobilized services, including using mobile beer on tap stands and self ordering kiosk systems, shortens lines and gives fans a greater sense of control.In addition to helping deliver a great experience, these solutions address labor shortages and increase operational efficiency by reducing the need for staff to run cash registers, take orders, and serve items that can be grab-and-go options.

Discover the mobile hospitality solutions that modernize stadiums, boost sales, and protect revenue into the future!

Self-Serve Beer on Tap and Self Ordering Kiosks

Offering self-serve and self ordering options frees staff to better manage crowd control and speed up lines. Rather than taking an order, checking ID, pouring beer, and then serving it, venues are streamlining the process by enabling customers to do more of the job themselves.In the case of beer on tap, systems can be automated to scan IDs and dispense beer according to preset limits. In 2022, Gillette Stadium introduced a self-serve beer on tap with an integrated POS system that allows customers to pour their own beer, with a limit of two drinks per credit card transaction.As for self ordering kiosk systems, Aramark debuted self-order and self-checkout operations at seven stadiums last fall. They included:

• AI-assisted self-checkout for grab-and-go concessions
• Digital age verification using facial recognition
• Mobile ordering and temperature controlled food lockers
• Self-ordering kiosks

How Event Venues Are Improving Sustainability

A survey conducted by YouGov indicated that 47% of sporting event attendees preferred to buy only from socially and environmentally responsible businesses. This extends to sporting event venues, and stadiums are taking notice.

From Collecting Rainwater to More Eco-Friendly Concessions, Stadiums Are Getting Greener

Some venues are making major structural improvements and investing millions of dollars into things like rainwater collection, rooftop gardens, and zero-waste efficiency. Energy savings on projects like these will take years to see, and they often shut down or reduce capacity during construction.Smaller steps can be seen as moving in the right direction and produce a faster ROI for venues looking to get the most bang for their buck. One cost-effective solution is to reduce emissions related to preparing and storing concessions.In one example, DTG piloted their Refrigeration PowerStations at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field using custom refrigerated hospitality carts to deliver beverages to thirsty fans throughout the game. These eco-friendly food and beverage carts mobilized concessions to high traffic areas and supplied enough power to last for the whole event without the need to recharge.The Advanced Battery Systems used in conjunction with the carts are made using the safest, most reliable battery chemistry in the industry, and the carts can provide ROI in as few as three events.

Self-Service and Sustainability for Better Revenue and Improved Fan Loyalty

Sports venues are modernizing to accommodate growing fan expectations for convenience and sustainability. In addition to embracing eco-friendly renovation, they are innovating to shorten wait times, cut back on labor, and speed up checkout by mobilizing concession stands.DTG has innovated a solution that addresses both of the most prominent demands of sports fans by enabling shorter lines at concession stands using food and beverage PowerStations powered by the industry’s greenest battery systems. DTG’s line of hospitality carts is taking event venues into the 21st century, providing ROI, and protecting improvement investments for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about DTG’s commitment to innovation and how we can help your business thrive.