The NFL is implementing facial authentication across all stadiums

Correction (Aug 5): The new NFL credentialing system does not affect fans entering stadiums, in other words, fans are not a part of the program, they will have their tickets scanned as normal.

The new face authentication will become operational for the 2024 season for individuals with working credentials team/gameday personnel, vendors, and media. These people have already submitted their photo (facial authentication, not facial recognition) as part of the process and this system will make it more efficient and secure. The goal is to secure entry for thousands of credentialed media, officials, staff, so they can easily access restricted areas such as press boxes and locker rooms

The original story follows below:

The NFL is rolling out facial authentication technology in its stadiums starting on August 8. The system recognizes players and employees so that only properly credentialed individuals can access the locker rooms and the press box. The NFL is rolling out Wicket’s facial authentication technology across all 32 stadiums for the upcoming season following a successful trial conducted at various venues last year, including Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The primary goal of the system is to facilitate access for credentialed media, officials, staff, and guests to restricted areas such as the playing field, press box, and locker rooms. By using facial recognition, the NFL also aims to prevent the fraudulent use of counterfeit physical credentials. The Wicket system employs advanced facial recognition software but is very fast and easy to use.

Those with working credentials must first link their ticketing account to their facial image using a selfie. Wicket’s artificial intelligence creates a unique digital code that represents the user’s facial features instead of storing the actual image.

Upon arriving at the stadium, registered users can access designated lanes equipped with camera-enabled devices, such as tablet computers. As users look into the camera, the system compares their faces to the stored digital code associated with their account.

The process takes an average of just two seconds per ticket. Wicket claims its technology can authenticate faces with 99.7% accuracy, even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the system allows friends and family members using tickets from the same account to quickly follow the primary ticket holder through the gate, enhancing the overall entry experience.

The Wicket FR system is opt-in, allowing users to choose between facial authentication and traditional entry methods. So those uninclined to hand over their biometrics need not worry.

Several teams, including the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons, have already begun using this technology for ticket holder entry. The Browns report that 35,000 fans have enrolled in the “Express Access” facial authentication program, which also verifies ages for alcohol purchases at concession stands.

However, details regarding the internal setup of the Wicket system at stadiums remain unclear. Early versions used Apple iPads for face scans, but there is potential for integration with other entry hardware.

The adoption of facial recognition technology is also gaining traction in other sports. The New York Mets have already implemented the Wicket system at Citi Field. Soccer leagues worldwide are installing similar systems, but not necessarily Wicket’s. Currently, 25 of the top 100 soccer stadiums utilize facial recognition for fan surveillance, indicating a broader trend in the sports industry toward enhanced security measures.

Image credit: James Marvin Phelps