MCG app adopts queue-busting technology to help footy fans find shorter lines

GETTING stuck in a queue at the footy and missing the action could be a thing of the past for fans at the MCG, with the stadium to bust wait times with new technology.

Footy fans Alice Kirwan and Brendan Sanders are excited about new technology that allows them to find the smallest queues for food and drinks at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein

GETTING stuck in a queue at the footy and missing the action could be a thing of the past for fans at the MCG.

The stadium will become the first venue in the southern hemisphere to implement “WaitTime” technology to tell fans how long the lines are at bars and restaurants.

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It means with a swipe of their phone or glance at a dedicated TV screen, you will be able to find the shortest line, the quickest way to get to get there and how long you can expect to wait.

General admission ticket holders will be the first to test the queue-busting technology, which will use green, amber and red indicators to measure wait times this weekend.

MCC chief executive Stuart Fox told the Herald Sun waiting for food and drinks were one of the biggest frustrations for fans.

“No one likes waiting in a queue and missing the action unfolding,” he said.

We hope that by providing fans with transparency and information ... we can reduce some of that frustration.’’

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He hoped adding the new system to the MCG app would help supporters get food and drinks and back to their seats quicker than ever.

“This means fans won’t miss an extra moment of the on-field action,’’ he said.

The technology uses artificial intelligence, sensors and algorithms to track queues and wait times before fans even leave their seat.

The first stage of the trial will be restricted to ground and basement levels in public areas of the Great Southern and Olympic Stands.

Melbourne Cricket Club chief Stuart Fox. Picture: Michael Klein

But Mr Fox said the MCC hoped data generated by the WaitTime system would improve operations at the MCG and one day inform everything from staffing levels to outlet locations.

“We know from our research that MCG patrons expect to wait between five and seven minutes depending on factors such as the crowd size,’’ he said.

“So this technology will help us measure our performance and determine if we are meeting those standards and if not, how we can improve.’’

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WaitTime information will be updated every few seconds to ensure fans get the best advice.

Initially, 16 bars and food outlets will be included, using 38 sensors located throughout the concourse to accurately measure queues and crowds.

More than 20 dedicated WaitTime display screens will be used in addition to fans’ ability to access the information through the app.

The technology captures people movement within a centimetre, 10 times per ­second, with a high level of ­accuracy.

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