Seattle Sports Stadiums to Adopt Biometric Screening Platform

Seattle sporting venues to improve security with biometric platform.

• By Sydny Shepard
• Aug 09, 2018

The Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders FC are joining the Mariners in adopting a new biometric screening platform to help fans pass through security with greater ease and make purchases at concession stands with the touch of a finger.

Clear, makers of the technology now being used at 38 airports and sports venues across the United States, made the announcement regarding the Seattle sports franchise on Monday. Safeco Field, home of the Mariners, was previously revealed as a new location for the identity verification process. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport also uses Clear.

The Seahawks are the first NFL team to implement Clear's technology, beginning at this week's first pre-season game at CenturyLink Field. The Sounders are the fourth Major League soccer team to take part.

Washington state has approved Clear's platform as a replacement for traditional ID check with its "biometric powered age validation," allowing Clear members at CenturyLink and Safeco to buy food and drinks - and prove they are of legal age for alcohol purchases - with just a fingerprint, according to a news release.

The enrollment process, which is facilitated at kiosks located at the stadiums, includes scanning an ID, answering a series of questions and creating a secure biometric account through the scanning of fingerprints. The Clear Sports membership is free, but there is a $15 per month fee to use the service at airports.

“Seattle Clear members now enjoy frictionless experiences from gate-to-seat at two of the largest sports and entertainment venues in the city, and from curb-to-gate on their travels through Sea-Tac and beyond,” Clear CEO Caryn Seidman Becker said in a statement. “Reimagining the concessions experience is a natural extension of our platform in sports and we’re thrilled to partner with the Seahawks, Mariners and Sounders to bring it to life for their fans.”