Royals launch facial recognition system for ballpark entry

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) — The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday that they will introduce a new, high-tech system to make ballpark entry easier and more efficient for fans and staff.

The Royals are set to become one of the first ballparks to implement this new facial recognition technology, offering a streamlined entry process and allowing ticketholders to enter the ballpark without stopping and scanning tickets from their phones.

“What could take minutes or several minutes will take seconds now,” Chief Operating Officer for the Kansas City Royals Jason Sinnarajah said.

Sinnarajah said Go-Ahead Entry is a faster way to get inside the ballpark.

This new system streamlines entry to the stadium using facial authentication technology.

“We designed it to be as simple and easy as possible,” Senior Vice President of Ballpark Experience and Ticketing for MLB Karri Zaremba said.

Here’s how it works: fans open the Ballpark App, click “Get Started,” and take a selfie. Then, it’s time to get in the game.

“For any tickets that they have, they’re able to look for a clearly marked Go-Ahead lane at the ballpark and just walk right in without breaking stride,” Zaremba said.

There’s no need to stop to scan a ticket. The device does it for you.

“Families or groups can enter with only one person in the party needing to be enrolled in go-ahead entry,” Zaremba said.

Zaremba said fans are able to get in 68 times faster than through a traditional entry line.

“This was designed also with families in mind,” Zaremba said. “So, I happen to have two young children. If I’m walking into the stadium and I’m holding each of their hands, you don’t even need to let go. You just look up, eyes up, and hands-free and walk without even breaking stride.”

Fans who are hesitant about stepping up to the plan, or in this case, camera, she said the MLB has taken 2 ½ years to develop this system with safety a priority.

“We don’t store any images of fans,” Zaremba said, “So, as soon as that selfie is captured, it’s converted into an alphanumeric token, and that image is discarded.”

The MLB first launched the program last year with the Phillies.

The Kansas City Royals are the sixth ballpark to roll out Go-Ahead Entry”. Sinnarajah said so far, the feedback has been positive.

“Throughout the weekend we’ve had about a thousand fans use about 3,000 tickets through the process,” Sinnarajah said, “Seeing initial reactions was extremely rewarding and enlightening for all of us that have been involved with this. We’re excited to see more of these reactions throughout the rest of 2024.”

Go-Ahead Entry is optional.

For fans who don’t want to participate, continue scanning at any gate as usual.

Fans can find the Go-Ahead entry gates at Gates B and D. Sinnarajah said two-thirds of fans enter there.

The system will take effect on Monday, July 22, when the Royals play the Arizona Diamondbacks at 7:10 p.m.

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