Phoenix Raceway announced it will open two checkout-free concession stores ahead of this weekend’s NASCAR championship weekend, one using Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology and the other using technology from Verizon and AiFi.
According to announcements from the raceway and the companies, the Verizon/AiFi store will offer both drinks and snacks, while the Amazon store will offer only drinks. Like other checkout-free stores that have appeared in stadiums, fans will be able to either swipe a credit card, an app or (at the Amazon store) use the palm of their hand to gain entry, with billing taking place after fans leave with their concession choices. As far as we know, this is the first time any stadium or venue has installed stands from two different checkout-free technology providers.
Fans not yet enrolled in Amazon’s Amazon One program (which allows using your palm as payment identification) can do so at kiosks outside the Amazon store, according to Amazon. Verizon provides 5G services to power the stores where it has partnered with the San Francisco-based startup AiFi, which brings its store-enabling technology to the deals. The stores will open ahead of Friday’s weekend-opening truck races, according to the raceway.
According to our unofficial market totals, the new store gives Amazon 23 Just Walk Out installations in sporting stadiums or venues, including two new ones opening at Chicago’s United Center. With the Phoenix stand, AiFi has four opened or announced stores, following the recent installation of two stores at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Market leader Zippin, which recently announced two new stands at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, has 41 stadium stands.
