Visa, the official payments partner for the Olympic Games, has revealed its high-tech vision of how fans might be paying for goods and accessing venues for future Games.
From digital ticketing to biometric authentication and even augmented reality shopping that can be conducted from the comfort of a couch at home, Visa presented its reimagining of the spectator experience at a recent event in Beijing, China.
Following the news that Visa has extended its partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through 2032, the exclusive payment sponsor of the Olympic Games for more than 30 years revealed the forward-looking technologies for faster and more innovative purchasing methods.
Conceived and designed by Visa’s Innovation Centers, they included in-seat ordering, remote digital ticket purchase, biometric authentication for stadium entry, and in-home couch commerce using augmented reality.
“There has been no better payment technology partner historically and there is no better payment technology partner for the future we are building together,” said Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee.
“As we introduce innovations that help improve fan experiences both on-site and at-home, we know that no matter where in the world the Olympics take us, Visa is the right partner to help us deliver them.”
“Our Global Innovation Centers are immersed in solving every day consumer challenges and discovering improved commerce experiences, that can be shared and scaled globally,” said Ryan McInerney, president of Visa.
“Planning for the upcoming Olympic Games helps Visa develop industry leading payments solutions that will redefine fan experiences and leave a legacy of improved digital commerce everywhere.”