The name Clear likely rings a bell. They are a biometrics company that provide an alternative and faster option through airport security. They have no expanded into a new space: sporting events. Clear has partnered with the Seattle Seahawks – NFL football team, Sounders FC – MLS soccer team, and Mariners – MLB baseball team to allow Clear member fans to pass through security with greater ease and make purchases at concession stands with a finger touch – even for alcohol related products.
This is the first and only (although not for long) company in the US to use biometric screenings for both age check and payment. The enrollment process begins at kiosk housed both at airports in which they operate and at the Seattle stadiums. An applicant scans their ID, answers a series of questions and creates a secure biometric account through the scanning of fingerprints. The Clear Sports membership is free, but there is a $15 per month fee to use the service at airports.
“Seattle Clear members now enjoy frictionless experiences from gate-to-seat at two of the largest sports and entertainment venues in the city, and from curb-to-gate on their travels through Sea-Tac and beyond,” Clear CEO Caryn Seidman Becker said in a statement. “Reimagining the concessions experience is a natural extension of our platform in sports and we’re thrilled to partner with the Seahawks, Mariners and Sounders to bring it to life for their fans.”
This is a huge win for customers. Due to a process change, the user experience has improved. Being able to speed through a traditional security line and grab a beer instantly right after the end of an inning or halftime when the rush to concessions is in full blast is a life saver. Clear has effectively made a business of shortening the process map for both areas.
If only there was something they could do about those concession prices. Some things are just too good to be true! Assuming Clear continues to gain traction, we can expect to see this show up across other cities and major sports venues in the near future.
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