Zippin Launches Checkout-Free at the Southern Hemisphere's Largest Stadium

New checkout-free technology has been introduced at MCG to support fans in getting their favourite food and beverage items faster.

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), manager of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and Delaware North, the hospitality provider at the MCG, have partnered with global technology company Zippin to introduce frictionless shopping in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest stadium for the first time.

The first two MCG Express outlets have opened in the Ponsford Stand of the stadium, at the city end of the ground. The MCG Express food outlet is located on Level 2 just behind section 36 and the bar outlet is on Level 1 behind section 33. The Ponsford Stand’s main entry point is Gate 1.

MCG Express is powered by Zippin whose next generation checkout-free technology has enabled the deployment of frictionless shopping to a range of retail settings. Using AI, machine learning and sensor fusion technology to create better customer experiences, the MCG Express outlet will allow sports fans and concert go-ers the opportunity to buy their favourite food and beverage items faster than ever before.

Melbourne Cricket Club Chief Executive Officer Stuart Fox said the introduction of the market leading technology was part of the overall commitment to improve patron experience at the MCG.

“The MCG has always been a place of innovation having been home to the first ever Test and One Day International cricket matches and where modern Australian Football took formation.

“As custodians of the people’s ground, we are continuously looking for ways to improve experiences for patrons and through our partnership with Delaware North and Zippin we will deliver a quicker food and beverage service through the opening of MCG Express.

“All patrons need to do is tap, shop and go – if you pick up an item and change your mind, just put it back and you won’t be charged.

“It’s a really cool concept we know patrons will enjoy using because it gets them back to their seat in no time to enjoy their favorite game or concert.”

Zippin, the leading provider of frictionless shopping experiences, proudly announced as of March this year that more 4.1 million shoppers have shopped using their ground-breaking checkout-free technology.

Founded in the United States of America, the Zippin checkout-free technology is used across a number of stadiums including the Denver Broncos’ Empower Field at Mile High, Indianapolis Pacers’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium. Zippin’s advanced technology is designed for easy DIY installation, allowing MCC and Delaware North to deploy efficiently and confidently.

Delaware North Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Gary Brown outlined what he was looking forward in the partnership with the MCC and Zippin.

“Delaware North has seen the benefits of deploying Zippin’s checkout-free technology in sports stadiums across the globe, and we’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Zippin and bring this innovative technology to Australia at the iconic MCG.

“We look forward to working with Zippin and the MCC to provide patrons at the MCG with the opportunity to experience frictionless food and beverage service at MCG Express outlets.”

Patrons purchasing alcoholic beverages will be required to show their ID to a store attendant for age verification and open their can before leaving the outlet.

Zippin CEO and Co-founder Krishna Motukuri highlighted the improvements to customer experience.

“We are thrilled to partner with visionary organizations like MCC and Delaware North to usher in a new era of fan experience.

“Patrons at MCG can now experience Zippin’s frictionless and convenient shopping that gives them more time to enjoy the thrill of live events at this iconic venue, without waiting in lines.”

For more information on how MCG Express works, visit this website.