Česky
Half a year without cash at the O2 arena: only 2 visitors out of 1,000 needed a one-time card
Completely cashless operation in the O2 arena, O2 universum and Forum Karlín proved to be a fully functional standard during the first half of the year. The vast majority of visitors immediately got used to paying by card, mobile phone or watch. Only 2 people out of a thousand applied for a one-time prepaid card. A total of 790 thousand people passed through all the arenas in the new regime and 1,768 single-use payment cards were issued.
“O2 arena, O2 universum and Forum Karlín have become successful pioneers of digital payment technologies. This is not a revolution, because cashless payments already accounted for approximately two-thirds of all payments in all areas before the introduction of the cashless regime. After the launch of cashless operation, the entire payment process has been unified and simplified, and visitors enjoy greater comfort and faster check-in,” says Robert Schaffer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bestsport.
Fully cashless operation has also had a positive impact on the daily operation of the halls. Handling cash, returning it and checking the authenticity of banknotes have been eliminated, which contributes to smoother service at the stands, less stress for employees and higher hygiene standards, because the service does not come into direct contact with cash.
The partners for digital payment technologies are Mastercard and ČSOB. Mastercard has brought a modern payment solution that speeds up check-in and increases payment security. Visitors can pay by card, mobile phone or smart wearable devices. In all halls, if necessary, it is possible to obtain a prepaid payment card for cash.
“Modern digital payments have long been the preferred payment method among Czech consumers, because they are the fastest, most convenient and at the same time the safest. Data from the most visited Prague arenas clearly shows that when digital payments are available and work reliably, people naturally choose them without any compromises,” says Jana Lvová, General Manager of Mastercard for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
As part of the partnership, ČSOB provides payment infrastructure, technical support and a wide range of digital payment solutions for fans and operators for the halls. “We are pleased that we were able to contribute to increasing the convenience of visitors and improving their customer experience with a first-class digital payment solution. It has been proven that fast, reliable and secure digital payments are the first choice for people, whether they pay with mobile applications, cards, smartwatches or rings. In addition, this partnership allows us to reward ČSOB clients for their activity. In cashless arenas, we combine payment with a ČSOB card with a benefit in the form of cashback, for example, the first drink at a selected hockey game or concert is at ČSOB,” adds Martin Jarolím, ČSOB Board Member responsible for Retail Banking.
Operation data shows that the composition and amount of spending vary depending on the type of event and audience. The most popular refreshment items in the long term include fries, grilled sausage and chicken nuggets, and the drinks are clearly beer and water. Higher spending is typical especially for longer music events, concerts without seating or sporting events with breaks, where visitors have more opportunities to have refreshments.
All three Prague arenas together are visited by more than 1.5 million people every year. O2 arena together with O2 universum welcomed over 1.4 million visitors last year, who watched almost 290 different events. This year’s audience hits at the O2 arena should include the World Figure Skating Championships in March.
