Visa has finalized plans with the NFL for safer and more secure payments via a cash-free future for the Super Bowl. As the league’s official payment services technology partner, the company will now enable seamless, safe and secure digital payments at the big game this season and beyond.

Renie Anderson, NFL’s Executive Vice President of Partnerships & Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Visa is one of our key partners in helping us imagine how our fans will experience the NFL in years to come.

“We’re excited to announce that for our biggest event the future is here and we thank Visa for the innovative approach to enable a more secure way to pay at Super Bowl LV. This move will not only make the game more enjoyable and efficient for our fans but most importantly, safer for all involved.”

As the world works towards a safe and secure return to large venues and events, Super Bowl LV will offer 100% digital payment acceptance for fans throughout the stadium on game day, including parking, concessions, retail, mobile ordering, and more. The “Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s” will also be 100% cash-free for the first time.

For fans who require assistance, ATMs that exchange cash and dispense pre-paid cards up to $500 will be available with no load fees. These pre-paid cards dispensed in-stadium will also work outside the venue, demonstrating ways to create a more inclusive environment for all fans to participate in the emerging digital economy.

Mary Ann Reilly, Senior Vice President of Head of North America Marketing at Visa, added: “Long before the pandemic sparked demand for safe, touchless experiences, Visa has been at the forefront of in-stadium digital payment innovation. Teaming up with the NFL to now make payments completely digital at the Super Bowl not only achieves a primary goal of our partnership but is transformative for the future of sporting events.

“Visa will continue to lead the point of sale digital transformation at stadiums nationwide because converting to touchless, digital payments is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for fans and concessionaires alike.”

Visa has assisted six NFL stadiums in upgrading their point of sale infrastructure to accept contactless payments. More than 20 stadiums nationwide are moving to a cash-free model or plan to do soon, including its partners the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens.

With over 75% of its consumers surveyed stating they have changed how they pay to reduce contact since the pandemic, the company aims to minimize touchpoints in-stadium to make fans feel safer and provide a better purchase experience overall.

Visa also unveiled ‘Touchless Payments: A Key To The Return Of Live Events’, a guide to provide leadership support to venues and events for adopting touchless payments globally. Collaborating with third-party partners, the guide ensures live entertainment venue operators feel ready to accommodate the growing expectation for touchless commerce experiences and provide actionable guidance on how venues can adopt payment innovations and implement new processes.