It Begins Today: MLB Go-Ahead Entry Lane Facial Recognition Rolls Out

Heading to a Major League Baseball game on a beautiful Summer day, there’s nothing like it. You grab a hot dog, some french fries, and a beer. Then it's time to enjoy some delicious ice cream in a little baseball helmet, and head home feeling good after the Yankees, Mets, or Phillies win. In an attempt to make our stadium experience even more enjoyable, today, Major League Baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies are rolling out a pilot program technology that can eliminate the long lines we usually have to wait in to get into the ballpark. By using facial recognition this program allows you to completely skip the line. It’s called MLB Go-Ahead Entry Lane, and here’s how it works. If you've got a face, go to the app store and download "MLB Go-Ahead Entry." Once it's downloaded you'll need to go through a quick registration process. The first thing I had to do was click “get started,” and then I had to say that I was an adult over 18. After that, I was prompted to take a selfie for identification which connects to a facial recognition camera at Citizens Bank Park in Philly. Once I have my tickets purchased, as I walk into the park, the camera connects with my selfie and allows me to walk directly into the ballpark without showing anything other than my beautiful smile. It’s important to point out that this process is not required. If you want to get an old-fashioned paper ticket, you can. If you prefer to show the ticket on your phone, that is still an option as well. These non-facial recognition ways to get in are still going to be offered for as long as there is a need. It’s basically just like E-Z Pass except you’re not holding a transponder. For those concerned about security, Major League Baseball says no data is stored and is deleted immediately after you enter the venue. There will be some initial issues for sure, but the positives certainly will outweigh the negatives. For one, you can never accidentally leave your ticket at home, unless you forget your face. Play ball!!   [select-listicle listicle_id="835433" syndication_name="12-best-nfl-quarterbacks-for-the-2023-season" description="yes"]