The Las Vegas Raiders’ new Allegiant Stadium is billing itself as the first professional sports venue in the U.S. to open as a cashless venue.
“As part of our ongoing dedication to provide our fans and patrons with a world class sports and live entertainment experience, and in response to feedback from our most loyal customers, cash will not be accepted as a form of payment at any stadium-controlled parking location or within Allegiant Stadium,” Raiders season ticket holders learned Thursday afternoon via email.
It has little effect on fans right now, though, because Raiders owner Mark Davis said football fans will not be allowed to attend Raiders home games in 2020 at the new 65,000-seat, domed stadium on the west side of Interstate 15 across from Mandalay Bay. Cash will not be accepted as payment at the Ticketmaster Box Office. A cash-to-card kiosk will be available nearby and will be accessible to fans while the box office is open.
The Raiders believe cashless transactions will “significantly increase our speed of service, meaning shorter lines, getting fans back to their seats faster,” the team’s email to fans said.
A survey of the Raiders personal seat license holders showed fans overwhelmingly agree with the cashless policy, with a huge majority “prefer cashless payment options.”
The cashless policy is also consistent with recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control, and Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s views on the COVID-19 pandemic, stadium representatives told personal seat license holders.
Fans can use valid debit or credit cards, or mobile wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. For fans who only bring cash to the stadium, several cash-to-card kiosks will be positioned throughout the stadium where fans can exchange cash for a pre-paid card that can be used both inside and outside the stadium. Cash-to-card kiosks enable fans to trade their cash for a pre-paid debit card.
Fans can load any amount up to $500 per card and there is no transaction fee. The cards can be used inside or outside the stadium. So, if fans have money remaining on their card after an event, they can take the card and use it anywhere major cards are accepted.
Bartenders and vendors will continue to accept cash tips, but the easiest and most secure way to tip is directly on the digital terminal at each concession stand or device.
Fans will not have to give personal info to get payment cards. Fans insert cash into the kiosk in exchange for a pre-paid card. The process takes a few seconds and is completely anonymous, the stadium’s email told fans.
The cashless policy applies for all events at Allegiant Stadium. Fans can contact the card company at any time at 866-345-2315 or by visiting https://www.myreadycard.com. Allegiant Stadium Guest Services will also be available for help at sections 333, 123 or 101 when fans are allowed to attend games.
This story was originally posted at LVSportsBiz.com.
For more Las Vegas sports business news from Alan and his colleagues, head to LVSportsBiz.com.