Wicket, a sports tech company founded in 2021, has rapidly expanded its facial authentication technology, now serving 70 clients across various sectors. In 2024, the company marked significant achievements, including global deployments at the Australian Open and partnerships with the NFL and University of Florida athletics. Chief Operating Officer Jeff Boehm noted the company’s explosive growth in transaction volume, emphasizing Wicket’s evolving role in enhancing event security and customer interaction.
Wicket, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has significantly advanced its facial authentication technology, now utilized by roughly 70 clients across diverse industries. The company’s expansion into sports illustrates its ability to enhance security and operational efficiency at multiple event touchpoints. In 2024, Wicket celebrated several noteworthy accomplishments, including its international facial ticketing deployment at the Australian Open, marking its inaugural venture outside the United States.
Additionally, Wicket commenced a league-wide pilot program with the NFL focused on credentialing and controlling access to high-security areas. The company also established a partnership with the University of Florida athletics at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and secured a place in the MLS Innovation Lab’s second cohort. Furthermore, Wicket solidified its role as a technology partner at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, reinforcing an evolving collaboration with AMB Sports and Entertainment.
Discussing the company’s growth trajectory, Chief Operating Officer Jeff Boehm remarked, “It took us three years to get to a million. And now, by the end of the year, we’d gotten to over 3 million transactions. It’s really this hockey stick taking off, which is exciting for us to see and be experiencing.” Since its inception, Wicket has onboarded over 40 sports team clients, complemented by partnerships at the league level with the NFL and collaborations with entities such as Tennis Australia and the USGA.
Wicket’s integration of facial payment systems is evident in venues such as Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field and LAFC’s BMO Stadium, the latter of which received a nomination for the SBA: Tech awards in the Best Technology Collaboration category. In conjunction with the USGA, Wicket innovated a day pass feature to facilitate guest movement over multiday events, illustrating potential for similar applications in future sports venue operations.
In conclusion, Wicket has demonstrated remarkable growth and innovation in sports technology through its facial authentication solutions, expanding its client base and partnerships significantly. With key deployments at prestigious sporting events and collaborations with major leagues, the company is poised to enhance security and efficiency in the industry. As Wicket continues to evolve, its innovations may redefine operational standards within sports venues, illustrating the increasing integration of technology in event management.
Original Source: www.sportsbusinessjournal.com
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