Sports Technology

In an effort to help reduce food and beverage queuing times for fans, the MCG has announced plans to trial an artificial intelligence-powered system.

Working in partnership with US-based software company WaitTime, the venue said that the technology will use artificial intelligence, sensors and advanced algorithms to track queues and wait times at certain food and beverage outlets at the stadium.

This information will be displayed across screens and allow patrons to see the wait times at an outlet and nearby stations before they join a queue.

The 100,000-capacity venue said that the installation process is already underway and the new system, a first in the southern hemisphere, will be in place for a trial during the AFL Finals Series.

Commenting on the innovation, MCG Chief Executive Stuart Fox stated “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 level and basement level in the public areas of the Great Southern Stand and Olympic Stand.

If the trial proves successful, the MCG could expand the system to other areas of the stadium and make it available during other events that take place at the venue, such as cricket matches and music concerts.

WaitTime Chief Executive Zachary Klima said the organisation was thrilled to be partnering with Australia's most iconic sporting stadium.

Klima stated “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."

Images: Collingwood fans enjoy the MCG's F&B offering (top) and an example of the MCG’s wait time screen (below).

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