2023: A Grand Slam Season for Zippin and the MLB

The 2023 MLB baseball season has been an absolute home run, filled with thrilling moments, record-breaking plays, and innovations that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From faster game times with the introduction of the pitch clock to the expansion of Zippin-powered checkout-free stores, this season had something for every baseball enthusiast.

Speeding Up the Game: The Pitch Clock

One of the standout features of the 2023 MLB season was the implementation of the pitch clock. Designed to reduce game times and keep the action fast-paced, the clock added an extra layer of excitement to every inning. Pitchers and batters had to adjust their strategies, and the games felt more dynamic and intense than ever before. Average games were reduced by 24 minutes compared with last season. 

Zippin's Game-Changing Presence

Another major highlight of the season was the expansion of Zippin’s checkout-free technology across five MLB venues. These stores revolutionized the way fans enjoyed the game, offering a seamless and convenient shopping experience. By shopping at Zippin, fans can avoid the hassles of long lines at concession stands, and spend more time enjoying the game. With a total of $5.2 million in sales through these stores and more than 258,000 beers sold, Zippin-powered stores became a fan favorite.

All-Time Favorite Snacks: Peanuts and Cracker Jacks

The famous baseball song Take Me Out to the Ball Game rang true this season. Classic ballpark snacks like peanuts and Cracker Jacks remained top fan favorites throughout the season. They were the top two highest-selling items across Zippin-powered stores. Fans enjoyed them while watching the game, and Zippin-powered stores made it even easier to grab a quick snack without missing any of the action. 

The Need for Speed: Quick Shopping Times

Zippin's technology helps fans enjoy their favorite snacks and drinks in record time. With an average shopping time of just 30 seconds and the fastest shopping time recorded at an astounding 11 seconds, fans could get back to their seats without missing a single pitch. The speed and efficiency of Zippin-powered stores enhanced the overall fan experience.

Zippin: A Grand Slam for Baseball Stadiums and Fans

The introduction of Zippin-powered checkout-free stores at MLB stadiums added a new dimension to the baseball experience. The Zippin-powered Shortstop at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, opened this season to rave reviews. According to a stadium survey, 88% of fans said the shopping experience at the Shortstop was better than at traditional concession stands. 

New Zippin-powered stores also opened at Oriole Park at Camden Yards and Rogers Centre, with similar success. Fans simply enter the store with a credit card, take what they want, and zip out. There’s no waiting, no lines, and no hassles. AI-powered cameras and sensors are used to determine what fans purchase. Upon exiting the store, fans are automatically billed for what they take. Employees can focus on assisting fans and restocking instead of running a cash register. This makes the experience more fun for staff as well. 

Checkout-free puts fans in the fast lane

2023 marked the first time since 2017 that attendance was greater than 70 million fans. With faster games and more fans attending, it’s critically important for venues to eliminate bottlenecks in their gameday experience. Zippin’s checkout-free is key to this transformation. With Zippin, fans paying together can enter together, which increases speed of service even more. With incredibly high shopper throughput like this, venues can serve more fans in less time and hungry fans aren’t discouraged from making a purchase due to long lines. 

With seamless, fast shopping experiences Zippin has proven to be a game-changer for both baseball stadiums and their fans, making it a must-have addition to any MLB venue. This is why Zippin is the recognized leader in checkout-free for sports, with more stores deployed than any other provider.

So, as we look forward to the next baseball season, we can be sure that Zippin will continue to be a valuable part of the game, delivering quicker shopping, more convenience, and a grand slam experience for fans. 

We hope you enjoy our infographic wrapping up the season highlights: