McMahon Stadium and Scotiabank Saddledome Boost Fan Experience with Easier, Faster, Contact-Free Commerce From Square

Square’s powerful ecosystem of software, hardware and payments make it the ideal payments option for large organizations like stadiums and music venues

Selling food and merchandise at Calgary stadiums has never been easier and faster, thanks to new commerce technology from Square. Scotiabank Saddledome and McMahon Stadium, two of Calgary’s most iconic sports arenas home to the Calgary Flames and the Calgary Stampeders, have received a full Point of Sale (POS) makeover. New technology at the stadiums include more than 350 Square Register and Square Terminal units to power sales and manage operations, which are integrated with Square for Restaurants and Square for Retail software.

Prior to the pandemic, the stadiums, owned and operated by Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), received 50-60% of its onsite payments in cash during big games. Deploying a new POS system to enable cashless, distanced payments quickly, and that integrates with other areas of the business, has been a key priority for McMahon and Scotiabank Saddledome.

“McMahon and Scotiabank Saddledome are two of several facilities owned and operated by CSEC. Maintaining a high level of service requires selecting technology and payments partners who can match the size and scale of these and other arenas,” said Ziad Mehio, Vice President, Technology and Food Service at Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. “We definitely made the right choice with Square. Since implementing Square’s hardware and software, we’ve been able to speed up transactions, increase revenue and significantly reduce lines, while dramatically simplifying administrative processes for our staff.”

Here’s how Scotiabank Saddledome and McMahon Stadium are using Square’s powerful ecosystem of tools to create compelling, omnichannel commerce experiences across the venues:

• Commerce and Operations Software: Integrated Square software including Point of Sale and Team Management Plus offer rich data and sales insights in real-time, enabling stadium managers to better understand trends. For example, being able to see top-selling items and busiest purchasing times for all concessions and bars, empowers the stadium to make smart decisions, on the fly, to optimize staffing, inventory and promotions. Meanwhile, Square for Restaurants and Square for Retail power merchandise and food sales locations with business analytics features like inventory and sales reports to maximize revenue opportunities throughout each game or event. Additionally, online tools and QR codes allow fans to order ahead without having to wait in line. Finally, Square Team Management Plus supports the employee experience, enabling quick and easy access to Square’s POS, with unique permission sets that ensure enterprise-scale access controls throughout the system.

• Square Hardware: The stadiums use more than 350 Square Register and Square Terminal units to power sales, either through Interac® Debit or credit card payments. With separate seller- and buyer-facing displays, Square Register enables smoother, faster payment experiences for employees and fans alike. Additionally, Square Terminal’s handheld, all-in-one payment processing capabilities enable stadium staff to take card and contactless payments directly at fans’ seats. All hardware devices are completely integrated and allow the stadium to flexibly power special food and merchandise pop-ups at any location, for any type of event. Square Register and Square Terminal enable fans to pay in any way they prefer, including contactless transactions by tapping their cards.

• API Integrations: Square’s APIs enable operators to integrate Square into any front-end fan experience or back-end data system, working seamlessly with any technology vision or enterprise architecture. McMahon Stadium and Scotiabank Saddledome leverage Square’s Inventory API to integrate and manage their food and beverage and retail inventory.

“The pandemic threw Canadian businesses challenge after challenge and accelerated the demand for new, more flexible omnichannel commerce solutions,” said Alyssa Henry, Head of Square. “Square’s integrated products and platform enable sellers of all sizes to run their businesses. As a proud partner of CSEC and McMahon and Scotiabank Saddledome –- two of the most well-recognized stadiums in the country – we’re eager to continue to show what’s possible for businesses of all sizes, from larger, more complex businesses such as stadiums and music venues to mom-and-pop shops and everything in between.”