Marvel Stadium tackles queues for food, beer with ‘Just Walk Out’ technology

Queues for pies, chips and beers at the footy could soon go the way of the drop kick, with new “Just Walk Out” technology letting fans grab and go.

Footy fans will be able to tap their credit card and buy food and drinks without having to queue at check-outs via Australia-first technology to be announced by the AFL.

Marvel Stadium will become the first venue in the Southern Hemisphere to introduce Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology for checkout-free purchases.

The aim of the technology is for fans to get food and drinks and be back in their seat between goals without missing a moment of the action, raising hopes queues for pies, chips and beers could be a thing of the past.

“The Runner” shop will let fans buy food and drinks without having to queue.

The move will give fans the ability to purchase food and drinks “contactless’’, without having to line up for a cash register.

Fans will tap a credit, debit card or mobile wallet payment option at entry, collect whatever items they want and be charged as they leave the store.

The technology uses artificial intelligence, computer vision and “deep learning techniques” including generative AI to determine who takes what from bars and shops.

They will be sent an electronic receipt by the time they return to their seat.

The technology is already used in the US at sports venues such as TD Garden, home of the NBA’s Boston Celtics and NHL outfit Boston Bruins.

People buying alcohol under the system will need to show ID to a store attendant for age verification.

Footy fans can buy pies ‘contactless’, without having to line up for a cash register.

The technology will initially be offered at two outlets known as “The Runner’’ at AFL owned Marvel Stadium — one food and beverage store and a bar.

It is expected to eventually be rolled out nationally.

AFL customer and commercial executive general manager Kylie Rogers said the league would unveil the technology on Wednesday as part of a vision to make the stadium “the most technically advanced’’ in Australia.

“We are continually looking at new ways to innovate and modernise our fan experience, and we know everyone will love the fast, convenient experience that Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology will deliver,’’ she said.

“Ultimately, this is about the fans, bringing them a next-generation stadium experience so they

can spend more time enjoying the footy.”

The project will be supported by Marvel Stadium’s food and beverage supplier Delaware North and its technology partner Telstra.