(SAN DIEGO – April 20, 2022) — ASM Global, the worldwide leader in live event experiences, this week will officially launch an industry-first facial verification network in partnership with technology innovator PopID, beginning at San Diego’s Pechanga Arena tonight (Wednesday, April 20) when the AHL’s Gulls take on the Abbotsford Canucks. The deployment comes on the heels of a multiyear investment by ASM Global to redefine the return to live events by creating the most seamless and secure event experiences ever developed.
“The deployment of this technology in our venues represents the beginning of a revolutionary change in the entertainment world,” said ASM Global CEO and President Ron Bension. “The PopID platform will allow us to eliminate the dependence on cards and phones at our events and ensure that every guest interaction is secure, speedy and seamless.”
These industry-first biometric advances are part of a digital transformation taking place across ASM’s vast network of more than 300 arenas, stadiums, theaters and convention centers across the globe. As part of the technology rollout, ASM will also be able to provide unmatched benefits and amenities to premium ticket holders at events, delivering an enhanced VIP guest experience.
PopID’s unique connected infrastructure, including payments, terminals and point-of-sale integrations, streamlines consumer transactions, no matter the payment method or the network they cross. In the process, it provides guests with personalized interactions, unmatched speed and secure verification for the most frictionless experiences ever developed.
“We are excited to partner with ASM and take the initial steps to truly revolutionize the event experience of the future with highly secure, phoneless entry and digital payments,” said John Miller, CEO of PopID and chairman of Cali Group. “When customers opt to enroll in our platform, they’ll be able to enter the venue by requesting facial verification at the gate—instead of having to rely on a QR code on their phone. The seamless experience will continue at concession stands, where a guest can choose to ‘check in’ with facial verification at the point of sale, enabling them to instantly see personalized food and beverage recommendations and order and pay without the need for IDs, credit cards or phones.”
PopID’s technology will soon begin verifying payments and authenticating tickets via a fan’s face at numerous other ASM venues. Upcoming deployments include the Save Mart Center in Fresno (California), Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and Toyota Arena in Ontario (Canada).