The National Football League (NFL) has announced that all 32 teams must implement a facial recognition software for fans attending games.
According to Jeff Boehm, chief operating officer of Wicket, the company behind the technology, the system is designed to ensure that only proper individuals can access restricted areas such as the playing field, press box, and locker rooms.
“Big news for Wicket as the NFL expands the use of our technology league-wide this season!” Boehm announced. “Credential holders simply take a selfie before they come, and then Wicket verifies their identity as they walk through security checkpoints.”
Wicket technology was reportedly introduced in a few NFL stadiums last year as part of a pilot program.
The Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and New York Mets all have used the company’s facial authentication software to authenticate fans with tickets, according to Stadium Tech Report.
“Fans come look at the tablet and, instantly, the tablet recognizes the fan,” Brandon Covert, the vice president of information technology for the Cleveland Browns, said in a testimonial on Wicket’s website. “It’s almost a half-second stop. It’s not even a stop — more of a pause.”
“It has greatly reduced the amount of time and friction that comes with entering the stadium,” Covert added. “It’s so much faster.”
