AiFi announces check-out free store opening at Prudential Center, home of the New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center, and Verizon have announced a multi-year extension of their partnership.

This will involve Verizon deploying Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband, Verizon Private 5G Network and Wi-Fi 6/6E to give Prudential Center the ability to host a wide range of large scale events, concerts and games with a more efficient and reliable network and fast connectivity.

This will also change the way fans experience games and live events in the arena and through the Devils and Prudential Center mobile app, powered by Verizon.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Verizon, a New Jersey-based company, and lay the foundation for the way fans view and experience Devils home games and other events at Prudential Center,” says Sasha Puric, Chief Technology Officer, HBSE.

“Providing reliable and efficient wireless connectivity is at the forefront of our operational needs and, with Verizon, we can now provide that enhancement to our fans, employees, partners, and events.”

Combining 5G with computer vision technology from AiFi, the Prudential Center is also unveiling new cashierless checkout stores.

Working with Prudential Center hospitality partner Levy, the Pepsi Grab N Go stores located throughout the arena were designed to provide fans with a low friction way to purchase food and drinks.

One opened during the 2023-24 season, the first in New Jersey to offer packaged beer, with transaction times under one minute.

“The New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center have been true partners in every sense of the word, working alongside Verizon and the NHL to test, ideate and iterate in order to bring new and innovative solutions to the sport,” says Jonathan Nikols, SVP, Global Enterprise Americas, Verizon Business.

“The learnings we’ve all come away with will help to transform the way hockey is both experienced and played, and I look forward to seeing all that’s made possible through the power of 5G and joint collaboration.”

Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium

AiFi recently partnered with GS Draft System Solutions to launch a frictionless shopping Michelob Ultra Grill Market at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

People are able to pour and pay for fresh draft beers, via self-serve TapWalls, as well as grab hot food items, candy, and packaged snacks without having to wait in line.

"Stadiums and large live event venues are the perfect setting for autonomous retail, and AiFi is proud to play a part in shaping the fan's enjoyment while in attendance," says Steve Carlin, CEO at AiFi.

"As live events continue to garner larger and larger crowds, we're helping stadiums and retailers embrace tech forward solutions that help fans minimise the time in concessions and merchandise lines to get them back to the action faster.”

“This new autonomous drink lane and market is just the latest example of how our flexible technology solution is leading that charge and our commitment to improving the fan experience."