Who’s Hungry? Concessions Options & Point of Sale System Improve BHG Stadium Experience
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 | Football, Ticket Office
The University Athletic Association released a full deployment of a new point of sale system inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to improve the efficiency of its concessions operations and increase fan satisfaction.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – – It was a year ago that Gator Nation enjoyed a gradual increase in connectivity at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during the season before the complete roll out of a $6 million Wi-Fi system. Now this fall, the University Athletic Association is doing the same with a new point of sale system at concession stands throughout The Swamp to speed up lines and enhance the fan experience.
We achieved another top 10 ranking this weekend - this time, for WIFI data volume. That's a lot of selfies! 📸😁
— Florida Gators (@FloridaGators) October 8, 2019
📰 : https://t.co/AP91HCaksn pic.twitter.com/ynPnSxOlqW
The new system, which was purchased jointly by the UAA and Centerplate, was throughout the stadium in UF's last home game against Auburn on Oct. 5. This system includes an Android-based tablet, a credit card/Apple Pay/NFC-enabled payment device, and a flip stand at each concession stand.
Fans may have noticed that this new technology has been rolled out slowly over the course of the Gators four home games this season. It has significantly improved the efficiency of the UAA's concessions operations as the deployment increased the percentage of terminals with credit card readers from 20% to nearly 100%.
VenueNext, who developed the new Florida Gators App, powers the point of sale software.
Multiple new food and beverage options were on display inside and outside the stadium last weekend.
Additional improvements to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium's concessions process are aimed at increasing efficiency in lines, All You Can Drink Refills, and express lines for in-app purchases.
Fans are reminded to download the Florida Gators App where individuals can make in-app concessions purchases (i.e. purchase an item in the app and pick up their order at an express pick up line) and store credit card information on the app so cash or a physical credit card won't be necessary if a fan desires a cashless experience.
The aforementioned 'All You Can Drink Refill Lines' are located at four stations throughout the stadium, so fans looking for refills can buzz in and out of lines quickly in order to return to their seats to see the action.
With the additions of the Gators Food Patio, the UAA has streamlined concession options in order to increase turnover, increase efficiency inside the stadium concession counters to create a better customer experience. In addition, there is a new chicken sandwich option for fans and pizza have been served at more stands this fall.
Water Me:
As the Gators continue to look for ways to improve the fan experience, increased fan amenities and satisfaction will follow. The latest iteration is a 'Water Me' feature that allows fans to purchase a water inside the Florida Gators App and have it delivered right to their seat.
This feature was beta tested for fans sitting in sections in 318-329 for the Tennessee game. However, the UAA is working on making this operational in other pockets of the stadium as soon as possible.
How does it work?
- Open the Florida Gators App
- Select "Swamp" on the lower blue menu bar
- Tap "Water Me" under "Enhance Your Gameday"
- Click the "Water Me" graphic
- Click "20 OZ Bottle Water" under "Drinks"
- Select your section, row, and seat in the dropdown menu that appears
- Once entered, hit "Save Seats"
- Choose your quantity and select "Order Now"
- Next, enter your name and credit card information, and hit "Place Order"
- FYI – there is a $1 service charge per water
- You will be taken to a confirmation screen with the status of your order
Gators Food Patio:
Located by Gate 1, just outside the main concourse, the Gators Food Patio is back this fall to provide fans and visitors with additional food options inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Gator BTW, Jersey Mike's, Sonny's BBQ, Chick-fil-A and a Moe's Southwest Grill stand compose the Gators Food Patio's options. Stands will remain open until midway through the third quarter.
Between Gates 1 and 4 in the outer west concourse, Gator Nation will see multiple activities for fans of all ages with face-painters and balloon artists, photo opportunities with Albert & Alberta, Heisman Trophies, Championship Trophies and potential green screen photo imaging.
This entire area is meant for families to provide a different experience for them during an exciting for Saturday inside The Swamp.
OUTSIDE BHG STADIUM: Gator Walk Village & Official Swamp Head Tailgate
The Gator Walk Village is host to a premium tailgate setup, along with Gator Walk and a designation spot for all Gators Fans with music, drinks, fun & food trucks. The Village is located on the North Lawn in between University Ave. and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has once again expanded this season, adding to the lively pregame atmosphere and entertainment surrounding the stadium. The North Lawn now features the Official Swamp Head Tailgate, where any Gators fans over the age of 21 are be able to purchase beverages prior to the game. The Official Swamp Head Tailgate opens between three-four hours prior to kickoff (depending on kickoff time) and close 45 minutes before kickoff. Fans of all ages can stop by the Official Swamp Head Tailgate for shade, tailgate games, live music and more. A water station featuring 2,500 12-ounce water bottles, priced at one dollar each, is near and inside the tailgate.
In addition, fans can expect to hear live music from various local bands on a stage adjacent to the Swamp Head Tailgate.
Fans can once again be able to enjoy a number of food truck options on University Ave., including Soup To Nuts, Ahar, Mayflower Cellars, Cilantro Tacos, Kona Ice, Monsta Lobsta, B'z Gelati, Rollin Smoke BBQ, Churros & Cream, Fat Tiki Island Flair, Huck's Grill Shack, Big Lee's Barbecue, Eim Thai Food, Cora's Kitchen and Papa Pineapple.
Participating vendors vary each week and open roughly two-and-a-half hours before kickoff.
Partnering with Tailgate Guys for a seventh season, 18 shaded tents are be set up by Gator Walk on University Avenue, providing a unique, exciting, all-encompassing tailgating experience.
Feedback
As fans experience issues, positive or negatives, the UAA encourages you to email ufirst@gators.ufl.edu with those thoughts.
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