Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, is leading the charge in the use of Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology, with the most cashierless locations of any stadium in the U.S. This technology, which employs overhead cameras, shelf weight sensors, and computer vision software, allows fans to scan their credit card or palm upon entry, grab items, and simply walk out without interacting with a cashier. Amazon initially introduced this technology at Amazon Go convenience stores and has since expanded it to other store formats, though it has moved away from using Just Walk Out in its large-format Amazon Fresh grocery stores.
Stadium concession stands are an ideal use case for Just Walk Out technology, providing a more streamlined shopping experience that prioritizes speed. Amazon licenses the Just Walk Out technology to retailers in stadiums, white-labeling the system to make it available to venues such as Lumen Field. In addition to sports stadiums, Amazon has sold the technology to over 200 stores in airports, hospitals, college campuses, and other locations. The technology has proven to be popular for its efficiency in serving customers in venues where speed is essential.
At Lumen Field, there are 15 Just Walk Out locations, including several added this season. Each location offers unique items, such as higher-end food options at Tutta Bella, a wide array of drinks at District Market on the 300 level, and various beverages at Fly Thru Market locations around the stadium. The technology also extends to apparel stores at the stadium, with RFID tags used to track items at select locations. Overall, the Just Walk Out locations at Lumen Field provide fans with a convenient, efficient shopping experience during events.
In addition to food and beverage locations, Lumen Field offers cashierless options for apparel purchases. The Pro Shop features jerseys, hats, and other items that can be purchased using the Just Walk Out technology. Another apparel location near section 140 offers discounted items, though the selection may vary compared to the larger shop. These cashierless options contribute to the overall convenience for fans attending events at the stadium, allowing them to quickly make purchases and get back to their seats without long waits.
At Lumen Field, fans can access a variety of items through Just Walk Out technology, from classic game day foods like hot dogs and pretzels to custom cocktails and specialty items at various locations. In addition to the convenience stores using self-checkout machines, there are Grab & Go stores offering drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and apparel items. T-Mobile also offers a unique experience for its customers, with access to Club Magenta and free snacks and drinks by showing a pass in the T-Life app.
The use of cashierless technology at Lumen Field and other stadiums is likely to continue, providing fans with a convenient shopping experience. Multiple companies are exploring similar technologies, raising questions about their long-term viability in other retail settings. While the cost of implementing and maintaining cashierless systems, customer learning curves, and data privacy concerns remain, the technology has proven to be effective in providing a faster shopping experience for attendees at events. Overall, Just Walk Out technology is a permanent fixture at Lumen Field and is likely to expand to other venues worldwide, offering a seamless shopping experience for fans.
