VenueNext-Sidearm Sports initiative for fans

Article posted by Coliseum, July 21^st, 2020

Image: VenueNext

VenueNext – whose forte is venue technology – and digital services provider Sidearm Sports – have announced a new solution to elevate the fan experience and improve social distancing during sports events held at US colleges and universities. The duo will also provide multifaceted, seamless offering to its school partners.

Sidearm Sports has helped provide more than 1,300 collegiate athletics websites and mobile apps. The new solution will enable athletics departments to embed a new fan-centric platform directly into their existing mobile apps.

Taking into account the COVID-19 scenario and to make the task of colleges easier as far as complying with new safety standards relating to in-venue concessions and merchandise, fans will be given access to contactless payments, in-seat ordering and ordering ahead to help colleges comply with new safety standards relating to in-venue concessions and merchandise. An enhanced offering of the solution will give fans the chance to win rewards and VIP experiences.

The partnership will call on VenueNext’s mobile point-of-sale solution, called OrderNext, which will support a variety of use cases for contactless ordering and payment within venues.

OrderNext facilitates venues as the latter do not have to make additional investments in hardware or infrastructure as the former allows guests to shop, order and pay using their personal device. The solution covers mobile ordering for food and beverages, merchandise, and VIP access and experiences.

A contactless branded payment platform will be provided by the VenueNext mobile wallet, which will include student-fan rewards to drive engagement within the venue.

Sidearm Sports President and Chief Executive Jeff Rubin, who is also Chief Digital Officer for Learfield IMG College, which acquired Sidearm in 2014, stated, “We’re constantly thinking of new ways we can help our school partners use technology to better engage with their fans. Now, with college sports on pause and the increased conversation around fan experiences and safety regulations this Fall, we’re thrilled to unveil this new platform with VenueNext. We are especially proud to get this started with a storied athletic program like Nebraska.”

Added VenueNext Chief Executive Anthony Perez, “Our collaboration with Sidearm will provide colleges and universities with the tools they need to keep fans safe, comfortable and engaged. Our mobile point-of-sale will allow fans to enjoy the same great experience they’ve always enjoyed but to do so safely and confidently. Sidearm was the perfect partner for us to combine our platforms and offer schools a best-in-class solution at a time when it’s needed most.”

“Contactless transactions will be a critical part of the post-COVID-19 sports and entertainment environment,” said University of Nebraska Senior Deputy Athletic Director, External Relations Garrett Klassy.

“We are excited to partner with SIDEARM and VenueNext to help us better prepare our athletic venues and enhance our overall fan experience,” Klassy added.

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