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2014 World Series Will See First Stadiums In Pro Sports Accepting Apple Pay

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One of the most talked of aspects of the iOS8 rollout for the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus was Apple Pay, a system that uses industry-standard EMV cryptography to ensure transactions can leverage payment systems throughout the world paperlessly When incorporated with Apple’s additional security features such as Touch ID or a passcode to authorize every payment and tokenization via MDES, the technology giant is hoping that the ease of simply waving your phone for a purchase at places where Apple Pay is setup, coupled with the security measures will turn your iPhone 6 into something more along the lines of a wallet.

Just in time for the World Series on Tuesday, MLB Advanced Media, the digital media company of Major League Baseball announced on Monday that MasterCard is bringing contactless acceptance to ballpark food and beverage concessions, enabling fans to make payments using a variety of NFC-enabled devices and services, including the newly introduced Apple Pay. These two ballparks (Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City and AT&T Park in San Francisco) will be the first professional sports facilities to accept Apple Pay, when it debuts for fans attending Game One of the World Series in Kansas City tomorrow.

Apple Pay is available beginning today 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 ballpark system has been installed into the two ballpark’s,  respective concession locations by MLBAM and NCR Corporation.

According to MLBAM, Apple Pay works for MasterCard credit and debit cardholders through MasterCard’s Digital Enablement Service (MDES).

“The ballpark experience lends itself well to simple, secure payments so fans get through concessions and back to the game quickly,” said Ed McLaughlin, chief emerging payments officer, MasterCard. “We’re thrilled to partner with MLBAM to bring contactless acceptance to the 2014 World Series. Through our longstanding relationship with MLB and MLBAM we are constantly looking for opportunities to create enhanced fan experiences both in-stadium and online, whether that’s through advanced payment capabilities or delivering surprises to fans.”

In addition to contactless acceptance at the two World Series ballparks, MLBAM and Tickets.com this year will deliver in-app support for Apple Pay when single-game tickets for the 2015 Major League Baseball season are scheduled to go on-sale in November. At that time, fans will be able to utilize Apple Pay when purchasing tickets in MLB.com At the Ballpark, the app developed by MLBAM that allows you to conduct concession purchases and seating upgrades while within a ballpark. At the Ballpark also leverage’s Apple’s iBeacon technology.

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