English Premier League club Arsenal have announced that the Emirates Stadium will go completely cashless from 1st of March 2020.
The move has come following research into how fans use common facilities and how they pay for various items, including bars, restaurants, kiosks, programme sellers and retail outlets.
The change is intended to improve a fan’s match day experience and overall efficiency at the 60,000-seat venue, with all previously mentioned outlets only accepting card payments in the near future.
Previously, the stadium had been cashless just for match days, but will also apply to non-match day events and venue hire.
It would only be places outside Emirates Stadium that will continue to accept cash, including retail stores, programme sellers and catering kiosk Chapman’s.
Arsenal have based their decision on extensive research that takes into consideration supporters’ habits, the overall match day experience, and other cashless venues across the UK.
“Ninety-three per cent of our stadium transactions are currently made via card payment,” said Tom McCann, Arsenal’s Venue Director.
“By moving to a fully cashless operation, our fans can expect to experience increased speed and shorter queue times at our bars and kiosks.
“Over the forthcoming match days and events, we will promote the move to a cashless stadium to prepare our fans for this change on 1st of March.”
Arsenal will join fellow well-acclaimed big six clubs who have introduced cashless as the simple and effective way forward.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, home of the Gunners’ North London rivals, is already cashless. Additionally, Premier League leaders Liverpool introduced cashless payments across Anfield during their top-flight game against Leicester City on 5th of October as part of a phased rollout, while current champions Manchester City signed a deal with cashless payment company Tappit in October 2018.
Arsenal’s first fully cashless match day will be the visit of West Ham United, currently scheduled for 7th of March.
As Arsenal joins a small but growing list of Premier League sides using cashless, many other clubs will be sure to follow suit.
It adds convenience to match day and saves supporters time sorting through cash and instead use their everyday card for venue resources.
