MLBAM, with the aid of league sponsor MasterCard, tonight will debut the new Apple Pay system at Kauffman Stadium during Game 1 of the World Series. The mobile-based payment technology, introduced last month by Apple, will also be used for the first time at AT&T Park during the series. The two ballparks represent the first pro sports facilities to accept Apple Pay, a contactless payment system that allows users to pay for concessions simply by waving their phone. Apple Pay, to be used at the ballparks for food and beverage concessions, requires the newly released iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. Baseball HOFer George Brett has made a ceremonial Apple Pay purchase that will be shown tonight during Fox' broadcast of the game. MasterCard will debut a 30-second spot, entitled “Priceless Surprises,” that also highlights the new technology and will continue to air during the World Series (Eric Fisher, Staff Writer). SPORTTECHIE.com's Simon Ogus noted Apple Pay on Sunday became available for U.S. consumers "via the iOS 8.1 update for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus; and can be used at all contactless acceptance locations." The acceptance of "easy-to-use contactless payments is fully integrated into each ballpark’s respective concession technology by MLBAM and NCR Corporation." In addition to contactless acceptance at Kaufmann Stadium and AT&T Park, MLBAM and Tickets.com this year "will deliver support for Apple Pay" when single-game tickets for the '15 MLB season go on-sale next month. Fans "will be able to utilize Apple Pay when purchasing tickets in MLB.com or At the Ballpark app" (SPORTTECHIE.com, 10/20).
