After the success of the first cashless Super Bowl in 2021 (the first in its 55-year history), and the priority to increase safety and convenience for fans, 29 out of 30 NFL teams have officially transitioned to a fully cash-free environment — and nearly a dozen NFL stadiums have gone completely cashless with Appetize, a leading digital and mobile ordering platform powering food, beverage and retail transactions at concessions, bars and retail outlets.

A cashless stadium helps increase safety by reducing friction and touchpoints, and it also improves convenience and guest satisfaction with faster service and shorter lines. No longer a “trend,” contactless payments and mobile ordering have become essential stadium tech that most teams are now deploying — and more signs continue to prove these digital solutions are the future of payment. For instance, Mastercard announced it’s completely phasing out magnetic strips on its cards starting in 2024 (indicating the ‘chip’ in the card will be the successor to magnetic strips). Furthermore, according to a recent Visa study, nearly two thirds (65%) of consumers say they will prefer contactless payments post Covid-19.

Here’s a quick look at 5 trending NFL stadiums Appetize helped support a fully cashless environment for 2021.

MetLife Stadium (New York Giants and New York Jets)

Fans can expect a 100% cash-free environment at all stadium concessions (around 24 food and beverage options) and retail locations. Contactless payment is enabled at all point of sale— via ‘tap to pay’ cards and mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay — including terminals, self-service kiosks and handhelds for hawkers. Additionally, Appetize has enabled mobile ordering for Giants and Jets games. Fans can use the Giants or Jets app on their phone to order and pay for concessions from their seat (then pick-up their order at a designated concession stand).

Paul Brown Stadium (Cincinnati Bengals)

Cincinnati Bengals announced it will be completely cashless for 2021 starting August 29 at the Bengals’ preseason home game against the Miami Dolphins. Fans can expect a 100% cash-free environment at all stadium concessions, bars and retail locations. Contactless payment is enabled at all point of sale— via ‘tap to pay’ cards and mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay (concessions only), and hawkers will be equipped with Appetize handheld devices for cashless payments only. Additionally, mobile ticketing will remain in effect for 2021.

Empower Field (Denver Broncos)

Empower Field was one of the first NFL stadiums to go completely cashless in October 2020. All Appetize terminals and self-service kiosks accept ‘tap to pay’ credit cards and mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay), and mobile ordering is also offered. Fans can expect completely cashless payments and mobile ticketing for the season.

Lincoln Financial Field (Detroit Lions)

Lincoln Financial Field also announced in October 2020 it would be completely cashless. Cashless is still in effect, and accepted forms of payment at concessions and the Eagles Pro Shop include credit or debit, and Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash to card conversions will be available for guests who need to exchange their cash for pre-paid cards.

M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)

Baltimore Ravens announced in May that the team will offer contactless entry and cashless purchases at M&T Bank Stadium. All food, beverage and retail is completely cashless. The Ravens accept credit cards as well as mobile wallets, such as Google Pay and Apple Pay.