Case Study: Stadium Boosts Fan Experience with Vending
See how one stadium enhanced the fan experience by adding cashless vending machines throughout the facility.
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See how one stadium enhanced the fan experience by adding cashless vending machines throughout the facility.
Back to Vending for Entertainment Venues ResourcesBy deploying cashless, strategically located machines across concourses and fan zones, the stadium reduced wait times, increased access to refreshments, and boosted overall satisfaction.
Cashless checkout speeds purchases and shortens lines
Placement near high-traffic areas disperses crowds and improves flow
Analytics and transaction data help tailor product assortment and timing
When a midsize stadium wanted to reduce concession queues and improve the fan experience, leaders piloted a network of cashless vending machines across concourses, club areas, and family zones. The result: faster low-value transactions, improved crowd distribution, and increased availability of grab-and-go items during peak times. Learn more about the mechanics behind coordinated vending deployments in this primer on full-service vending.
By placing machines near common bottlenecks—entrances, restroom clusters, and back-of-seat aisles—the stadium offered quick alternatives to concession stands for bottled drinks and packaged snacks. This approach reduced idle time for fans and allowed staffed concessions to focus on orders that require preparation. For broader venue benefits, see our summary on vending in entertainment venues.
Adopting cashless payment options cut transaction times significantly and improved throughput during intermissions and halftime. These options also support mobile wallets and contactless cards, which fans increasingly prefer. Modern vending solutions provide reporting tools that help operators understand peak times and popular items so stocking can be optimized.
The stadium balanced classic snacks with healthier selections, family-friendly offerings, and team-branded items to serve diverse fan preferences. Stocking clearly labeled, lower-sugar options aligns with public wellness initiatives and results seen in other public facilities; review best practices for healthy selections in our healthy vending guide.
Vending units doubled as touchpoints for team sponsorships and promotions—digital screens, custom wraps, and time-limited offers increased visibility and drove incremental revenue. Integrating merchandising or promotional items alongside snacks can amplify fan engagement during special events.
Installations were planned to minimize disruption and required little day-to-day involvement from venue staff. Machines provided sales analytics and inventory alerts so managers could react quickly to demand patterns. For examples of vending in public facility programs and operations, consult this overview of vending in public buildings.
To explore whether a similar approach fits your stadium or event venue, start with the form on this page. Vending Exchange will help coordinate the setup—and routine installation, stocking, and servicing are arranged so your team can focus on delivering great events. For additional resources and case studies, visit our Resources hub.
They offer convenient grab-and-go options that reduce concession lines and increase fan satisfaction.
Cashless machines speed transactions, simplify accounting, and align with modern payment preferences.
They create incremental sales for small-ticket items and can complement existing concession operations.
Yes. Wraps and digital displays allow for team branding and sponsor messaging to engage fans at the point of sale.
High-traffic concourses, family zones, and entry points where lines typically form are most effective.
Operational tasks such as restocking and routine maintenance are arranged externally to keep staff involvement minimal.
Yes. Machines can be stocked with a mix of traditional favorites and clearly labeled healthier or allergen-friendly choices.
Installations are planned to minimize disruption and can often be completed during non-event hours.
Most machines provide sales analytics, inventory alerts, and transaction data to help optimize placement and product mix.
Begin by filling out the contact form on this page to discuss goals, desired locations, and potential timelines.