Today FC Cincinnati announced that financial technology leader FIS is serving as the team’s Official Payments Processor at TQL Stadium, where it provides an integrated set of leading-edge payment and business solutions designed to deliver exceptional fan experiences.
FIS is also working with FCC to enhance the stadium’s mobile app experience, where fans will receive additional convenient solutions later this year.
“TQL Stadium is cashless, and we need to provide our fans with fast and secure payment processing,” said Meg Ryan, FC Cincinnati Chief Marketing Officer. “We strive to provide our fans best-in-sport experiences – and by having one of the world’s largest and most innovative fintechs in FIS behind each transaction plays a big role in that mission.”
Many professional sports franchises are moving to cashless and are doing so because of the increase in mobile wallet and contactless transactions, and due to the declined use of cash. According to the 2021 FIS Global Payments Report, the use of mobile wallets exceeded cash for the first time for in-store payments globally.
“It has only been two years since the first U.S. sports stadium went cashless, and with the rapid digital transformation and increase in contactless payments we have seen during the pandemic, we envision this will soon to be the norm in professional sports,” said Dan Brames, Head of North America Merchant Business at FIS. “We are honored to a play a role in providing optimal fan experiences, by ensuring transactions are processed quickly so fans don’t miss any of the action.”
In the first match FC Cincinnati opened for full capacity at TQL Stadium against the Colorado Rapids on June 19, it sold out and was attended by 25,054 fans. On that date, FIS processed more than 16,000 food and beverage transactions over a period of a few hours. During that period, more than 99% of transactions were accepted, and most were processed in under half a second.
Overall, FIS processes approximately 80 billion transactions and moves more than $10 trillion around the world each year. Its clients include the world’s largest retailers, airlines, restaurant chains, streaming services, and theme parks, as well as many of the world’s largest banks and private equity firms. In Cincinnati, it has a Strategic Technology and Innovation Campus in Symmes Township.
About TQL Stadium:
TQL Stadium, FC Cincinnati’s home, is one of the most ambitious soccer-specific stadiums in not only North America but the world. Critically acclaimed global design firm, Populous, designed an innovative and forward-thinking stadium that is one of the largest soccer-specific facilities in Major League Soccer (MLS). The $250 million, privately funded stadium has a capacity of 26,000, with the closest seats within 15 feet of the field. The design includes 53 traditional suites and 4,500 premium seats throughout four premium club spaces. Additionally, the team’s famous supporters’ section, The Bailey, will grow to be more than 3,100 strong and loom over opponents at a 34-degree angle at the stadium’s north end. A 360-degree canopy roof covers every seat in the stadium, but still allows sufficient sun in to grow a natural grass field. The stadium has five team locker rooms, including a comprehensive team suite for FC Cincinnati that features a dressing room, coaches offices, lounge, equipment storage and the Mercy Health Center of Excellence for the team’s medical and game day fitness needs. TQL Stadium meets all current requirements to host CONCACAF and FIFA events, featuring top national teams from around the world, including the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, as well as the world’s top club teams for friendlies. More information about the stadium is available on the stadium’s website: TQLStadium.com.
About FIS:
FIS is a leading provider of technology solutions for merchants, banks and capital markets firms globally. Our employees are dedicated to advancing the way the world pays, banks and invests by applying our scale, deep expertise and data-driven insights. We help our clients use technology in innovative ways to solve business-critical challenges and deliver superior experiences for their customers. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, FIS is a Fortune 500® company and is a member of Standard & Poor’s 500® Index.
To learn more, visit www.fisglobal.com. Follow FIS on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (@FISGlobal).
