Winnipeg's major downtown venue has made the switch away from cash.
Attending a game at Canada Life Centre has just become a whole lot easier for some, and significantly more difficult for others, as the venue has switched over to the method of contactless pay.
"Canada Life Centre is now cashless," the arena shared in a post on Twitter. "Please note that to reduce touchpoints and expedite payment, all food and beverage transactions are cashless. Guests are also encouraged to use contactless payment for event merchandise."
Those used to paying cash for their concession and apparel in-arena purchases will no longer be allowed to do so. Those already paying via credit, debit or Apple/Google Pay will be encouraged to continue doing so.
In an interview with CJOB 680, True North Sports + Entertainment's Kevin Donnelly expressed the venue's choice as being that of 'keeping up' with the majority of other stadiums and arenas in North America. He claimed that roughly 90 percent of all Canada Life Centre patrons already had been using contactless payment options.
Donnelly said that those without access to credit or debit cards are able to purchase pre-paid VISA cards at guest services within the arena.
On the flip side, True North will be spending more on VISA/Mastercard expenses. Tips may not come quite as easily for those manning the beer carts in the concourse, as payment options will now strictly involve point-of-sale machines with tipping procedures listed as the purchaser follows various prompts.