USA: Atlanta United FC's Mercedes-Benz Stadium becomes MLS' first 100% cashless stadium

"To further enhance the fan experience, MBS (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 75,000 capacity) will become the first MLS stadium to implement a complete stadium-wide cashless transaction model. All transactions will require the use of a credit or debit card or mobile payment. No cash will be accepted at any location within the stadium including concessions and retail," announced Atlanta United FC (MLS) on 05/03/2019.

The measure was implemented ahead of the club's opening game versus FC Cincinnati (1-1, Matchday 1 of the 2019 MLS season, on 10/03/2019), at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, of which Atlanta United FC is one of two resident clubs, along with the Atlanta Falcons (NFL). The venue also hosted the Super Bowl LIII (53^rd edition), between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots (3-13) on 03/02/2019.

The Super Bowl LIII was the sporting event with the highest number of card transactions for the purchase of food and beverages in history, according to Atlanta United FC, which reported a total of 76,446 operations, or over one per spectator on average (match attendance: 70,081…