AFL and Amazon chalk up a Southern Hemisphere first as they introduce Just Walk Out technology at Marvel Stadium
The AFL (Australian Football League) has announced that Marvel Stadium will become the first venue in the Southern Hemisphere to introduce Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology for checkout-free purchases.
This will be available at two outlets known as ‘The Runner’ - one food and beverage and one bar - in time for the early rounds of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Fans will use their credit or debit card, or mobile wallet payment option at entry, collect their items, and leave the store without having to wait in line to checkout.
Just Walk Out technology is made possible by artificial intelligence like computer vision and deep learning techniques, including generative AI, to accurately determine who took what in a store.
Amazon says that it built synthetic datasets to mimic millions of realistic shopping scenarios, including variations in store format, lighting conditions, and even crowds of shoppers, to ensure accuracy in any environment.
The technology is currently in use at sports venues across the US, including TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics (NBA) and Boston Bruins (NHL), and Climate Pledge Arena, home of the Seattle Kraken (NHL).
Fans purchasing alcohol will be required to show their ID to a store attendant for age verification.
Kylie Rogers, AFL EGM Customer and Commercial, says: “We are continually looking at new ways to innovate and modernise our fan experience, and we know everyone will love the fast, convenient experience that Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology will deliver.”
“Ultimately, this is about the fans, bringing them a next-generation stadium experience so they can spend more time enjoying the footy.”
Dilip Kumar, Vice President of AWS Applications, comments: “It’s a big day for our Just Walk Out technology as we announce our first implementation in the Southern Hemisphere with two major Australian sporting institutions, AFL and Marvel Stadium.”
“We’re proud to bring our convenient checkout experience to fans across the globe so they can get what they need and get back to their seats faster, never missing a moment of the game.”
The project is supported by Marvel Stadium’s food and beverage partner Delaware North and the stadium’s technology partner Telstra.
Nathan Gumley, Telstra Group Owner Energy, Home and Entertainment, says: “We’re proud of our ongoing role to make Marvel Stadium one of the most technologically advanced stadiums and entertainment precincts in the Southern Hemisphere.”
“Our strategic partnerships with global leaders like AWS, combined with our video analytics, augmented reality and wayfinding solutions – underpinned by our leading 5G network and edge computing – are all helping to create more immersive fan experiences.”
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