Wicket, a sports tech company specializing in facial authentication, has expanded its client base to around 70 as it grows its presence in the sports sector. Key accomplishments in 2024 include its work with the NFL, Australian Open, and partnerships across various sports venues, demonstrating its ability to enhance security and streamline processes.
Wicket has made significant strides in its facial authentication technology, currently serving approximately 70 clients across different sectors. The sports industry has notably benefited from its innovations, highlighting the company’s ability to enhance various operational aspects.
In 2024, Wicket achieved notable milestones including the implementation of facial ticketing for the Australian Open, marking its first international deployment. Additionally, it launched a pilot program with the NFL to streamline credentialing and entry into secure areas, established a partnership with the University of Florida athletics at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, and joined the MLS Innovation Lab’s second cohort. Furthermore, Wicket solidified its tech partnership with Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Jeff Boehm, the Chief Operating Officer, remarked on the company’s impressive growth, stating, “It took us three years to get to a million transactions. 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.”
Founded in 2021, Wicket is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and currently employs 35 individuals. The leadership team includes Alastair Partington (CEO), Jeff Boehm (COO), Rob Seaner (CTO), Jeff Josephson (Head of Sales), and Glenn Borgmann (Head of Partnerships). Its key partnerships encompass Ticketmaster, Tickets.com, SeatGeek, Aramark Sports & Entertainment, and several others.
Since its inception, influenced by pandemic-driven changes, Wicket has onboarded over 40 sports clients, alongside a league-level partnership with the NFL and collaborations with Tennis Australia and the USGA. The company’s facial payment solutions have also seen success in venues such as Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field and LAFC’s BMO Stadium. Boehm emphasized the importance of their new day pass feature for events, stating, “There are definitely other use cases for this day pass-type functionality in sports venues.”
In summary, Wicket has established itself as a leading provider of facial authentication technology, particularly within the sports sector. With a remarkable growth trajectory and numerous strategic partnerships, the company is not only enhancing security but also improving the overall fan experience. Its innovative applications are paving the way for further advancements in sports technology, promising a secure and efficient future for venue operations.
Original Source: www.sportsbusinessjournal.com
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