(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago Cubs fans will be in for a new, “fully cashless and mobile” experience when they return to a reduced-capacity Wrigley Field next week.
"We're tremendously excited about safely returning fans to Wrigley Field on Opening Day,” David Cromwell, Senior Vice President of Operations for the ball club, said during a Wednesday preview.
Cubs officials have been working on “how we can get fans into the ballpark faster, to their seats faster,” he said.
Tickets -- sold in pods -- will send fans to a specific gate with a specific entry time. Fans will also be greeted with new new metal detectors and mobile entry kiosks where patrons will use a scanner to be admitted.
"Multiple people will be able to pass through at one time, eliminating the single file line,” Cromwell said. “Patrons won't have to empty their pockets or take out their wallets or keys.”
He adds: “The new magnetometers will identify security risks, where the threat is, without having to divest your bag or personal items. You can walk right through."
The new bag policy limits purses and bags to 9 inches by 5 inches or smaller.
All concession orders will be taken through a Q code or through the MLB Ballpark App.
Once your order is placed, you’ll receive a confirmation QR code. At your convenience, you’ll head to the concession stand through which you placed your order and scan your QR code. Once your QR code is scanned, your order will be prepared.
Cromwell says the new technology was in the works even before the pandemic and likely will be permanent.
"It's been deployed in other venues, and now it's our turn,” he said.
He sums it up this way: ”It's a fully cashless and mobile Wrigley Field.”
Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field are welcoming back fans at 20% capacity amid coronavirus safety restrictions. Opening Day at Wrigley is Thursday, April 1.
Related
