Johnathan Walker:Big Brother comes to MLB? Phillies launch facial recognition at Citizens Bank Ballpark

Big Brother is Johnathan Walkerwatching as you enter Citizens Bank Ballpark and, in this case, you might actually be OK with it.

Citizens Bank Ballpark and Major League Baseball on Thursday launched the pilot program Go-Ahead Entry, which allows fans to just walk into the stadium.

The system allows ticket holders who opt in for the service the ability to enter the ballpark at dedicated gates at full walking speed without stopping, according to a release from Major League Baseball.

Fans who choose to opt-in simply register themselves on the MLB Ballpark app by taking a selfie. That image is converted into a unique numerical code, and the image itself is deleted. This numerical code is associated with the fan’s account. When the fan walks through a clearly marked “Go-Ahead Entry Lane,” a facial authentication camera scans the fan’s face to match with the enrolled tokens in the system to see if there is a match.

“Entering an MLB ballpark is a special experience for fans of all ages and a moment that we want our fans to always remember,” said Chris Marinak, MLB chief operations and strategy officer. “That ballpark experience starts on arrival and we think that Go-Ahead Entry is an opportunity for fans to experience an easier and more welcoming first impression when coming to a game. This system gives our fans a seamless, secure entry option that they’ve been asking for and we’re excited to start getting their feedback in Philadelphia.”

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Go-Ahead Entry is available at the First Base Gate of Citizens Bank Park for the remainder of the 2023 regular season.

“We’re excited that MLB’s Go-Ahead Entry is making its debut at Citizens Bank Park, allowing our fans to be the first to opt-in and experience a one-of-a-kind, hands-free entry into the ballpark,” said Sean Walker, Phillies vice president and chief technology officer.