Facial Authentication Coming To All NFL Stadiums This Season

The NFL is introducing facial authentication technology at all 32 of its stadiums for the upcoming season. According to TechSpot, the system should be ready by the time preseason starts. This rollout comes after a successful trial at various venues last year, including the Cleveland Browns Stadium. The main goal of this technology is to make it easier for credentialed media, officials, staff, and guests to access restricted areas like the field, press box, and locker rooms. By using facial authentication, the NFL also hopes to stop people from using fake credentials to get into these areas. 

This move comes at a time when people are going viral on social media for getting past traditional security. For example, last month, a Paris-based influencer named Saint Léon made videos of himself sneaking into big events like Formula 1 races, Fashion Week shows, and even backstage at Rolling Loud to see Travis Scott perform. In one TikTok video, he wore an orange security vest and used gaffer tape to blend in with festival workers, even hiding when he was asked to do some actual work.

Last year, actress Lea Salonga, who starred in the Broadway musical Here Lies Love, had a similar encounter. A video showed her addressing fans who had snuck into her dressing room after a performance. She politely but firmly told them, "Who are you? I'm so sorry, I don't know who you are… Unless you're on the guest list we cannot have you back here."

First, customers will link their ticketing account to a selfie. Wicket’s artificial intelligence then creates a unique digital code based on the facial features in the selfie, instead of storing the actual image. When fans arrive at the stadium, they can use special lanes with camera-equipped devices, like tablets, to scan their faces.

The system compares their faces to the stored digital code, and if it matches, it approves all the tickets bought by that person. The whole process takes about two seconds per ticket, and Wicket says their technology is 99.7% accurate, even in low light. The system also lets friends and family using the same account quickly follow the ticket holder through the gate.

If you don't want to use facial recognition, you can opt-out. The Wicket system is optional, so fans can choose between facial recognition and traditional entry methods. Some teams, like the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons, are already using this technology for ticket entry. The Browns say that 35,000 fans have signed up for the "Express Access" program, which also verifies ages for buying alcohol at concession stands.