Centerplate innovates beyond the menu at the Final Four

While the Final Four games take center stage, Centerplate understands that innovation is key for guest satisfaction. Even as this year’s March Madness games had a different look, the fans were able to see the action in person. With this new addition seen at the games, it could be another adaption that sports fans could see in the future.

In the past year, Centerplate and Sodexo were able to successfully navigate the return to live sports. From contactless payment to redesigning food options to creative planning methods, the companies proved that fans can safely watch live sports in a well-managed environment.

During the Final Four games in Indianapolis, Centerplate partnered with Starship Technologies. While the companies were not drone delivering food to guests in their seats, the autonomous delivery services from Starship Technologies were providing contactless deliveries of PPE supplies to fans.

Many colleges have used the Starship robots for on-demand food delivery. The idea began at George Mason University in 2019 and has expanded beyond that location. Over the past year, this food delivery option has become even more viable as people look for contactless delivery along with the need for social distancing.

While the Starship robots did not deliver food at the Final Four, the use of these robots could spark a conversation for future innovations at sporting events. Even if fans want to hear the boisterous call of beer here, that passing a beer down the row may not be a reality for a long time. The events of the past year have changed people’s perspectives on their comfort levels. Autonomous deliveries might become part of the live event experience.

Many stadiums offer mobile ordering options. Contactless payment has become the new norm. The next extension could be robot deliveries. Granted, large crowds and robot deliveries could be slightly more difficult, but you can’t yell at a robot for spilling your beer.

With the use of these robots at the Final Four it begs the question, what is next? Or, more importantly, how could it change the game day experience? Sometimes a food provider sparks a bigger conversation with the items that aren’t on the plate.

What do you think of autonomous deliveries at a sporting event? Do you think that this idea will change the live sports experience?