Melbourne’s iconic sports stadium, the MCG, is taking steps to reduce queues and waiting times at food and drink outlets with the trial of a crowd intelligence system from global tech company WaitTime.
The MCG is the first venue in the Southern Hemisphere to work with WaitTime, whose system utilises artificial intelligence, sensors and advanced algorithms to track queues and wait times at a selection of food and beverage outlets at the stadium.
The solution is being used at major sports stadiums in America and with installation underway at the MCG, the technology is set to be ready for trial during the upcoming AFL finals series.
The system works by displaying information across dedicated screens, and is designed to provide patrons with transparency over queue times for nearby outlets, allowing them to make informed decisions about when and where they go for their food and drinks.
{loadposition peter}MCC chief executive Stuart Fox said the club was pleased to be trialling the innovative technology, in the hopes of enhancing customer experience.
"Queue times are a major challenge for large venues such as the MCG – when you have thousands of people trying to place an order at peak times you are always going to have some level of delay.
"This system will not only help to inform MCG patrons about the expected wait time, but also show and direct them to other nearby outlets that they may not have previously considered, and which may result in a quicker service experience."
The MCG will initially trial the technology on the ground and basement levels in the public areas of the Great Southern Stand and Olympic Stand.
WaitTime chief executive Zachary Klima said, "As an incredibly forward-thinking venue, dedicated to creating amazing experiences for their patrons, MCG is the perfect partner for WaitTime as we debut our technology in the Southern Hemisphere.
“We're looking forward to working with Australia's biggest and most renowned stadium to ensure fans spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the entertainment."