Will biometric identity verification replace traditional event tickets?

We start the New Year with something interesting for fans of football and other live events. The typical, traditional ticket may soon be replaced by biometric identity verification. Research shows that nearly 50% of sports facilities have such a plan.

MLB's ticketless "Go-Ahead Entry" system with biometric verification can reduce waiting times to enter the facility by almost 70%.

That's why biometric authentication at sporting events could become a hit. The challenge, as always with large projects, is the financial aspect related to the costs of system implementation and investments in specialized equipment, training and tool integration. It is this aspect, according to the PYMNTS report, that may determine the implementation of biometric solutions by smaller facilities.

Go-Ahead Entry is MLB's patented ticketless entry system using biometrics provided by NEC. The statistics come from a 2023 pilot at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia, which showed biometric lanes move 68% faster and allow 2.5 times more people to pass than the fastest lane using physical or smartphone tickets.

We are curious how this situation will develop. Do you think this is a good idea?