The National Football League (NFL) is set to implement new facial recognition technology in all 32 of its stadiums across the country, starting on August 8th. The software, known as Wicket, is powered by artificial intelligence and aims to streamline entry and exit processes while bolstering security measures.
Wicket’s primary function is to expedite the verification of credentials for authorized personnel, specifically focusing on preventing fraudulent use of counterfeit badges and passes. This ensures that only legitimate officials have access to restricted areas within the stadiums.
However, some NFL teams have chosen to extend the benefits of Wicket to their fans as well. This involves linking a fan’s ticketing account to a selfie of their face. The system creates a unique digital code representing a customer’s facial features, rather than storing an actual image.
Fans who register with Wicket can utilize designated lanes equipped with cameras. These cameras scan a ticketholder’s face and compare it to the stored digital code associated with their facial structure. This process reportedly boasts a success rate exceeding 99.7% and significantly reduces ticket-checking time to just two seconds.
It’s worth noting that facial recognition technology is increasingly being adopted in sports venues worldwide. Notably, 25 of the top 100 soccer stadiums globally utilize facial recognition technology for fan surveillance and security purposes. This widespread adoption reflects the growing emphasis on security and efficiency in large-scale events.
