With football fever sweeping the world, a UK start-up appears to have solved the age-old problem of half-time drinks queues. SwipeStation, an app-based ordering system, gives fans the opportunity to order food and drink from anywhere in the stadium and bypass queues to collect their goods.

When using the SwipeStation system, fans at sports grounds can place their order, which includes payment, and are given a QR code, which they then scan at designated booths. To collect, fans simply walk down a dedicated ‘Fast Lane’ at the ground’s bar or service counter and pick up their goods. The system operates independently of an internet connection – the lack of which is the bane of many stadia – so not only do clubs deliver a much better fan experience, early reports show that SwipeStation generates significant sales increases too.

Adam King, SwipeStation CEO, said ‘The ease and speed with which fans can order food and drinks has a big impact on sales so SwipeStation reducing queue times to less than fifteen seconds means an infinitely more profitable venue. Additionally, we gather order data which gives clubs valuable insight into fan buying patterns, thereby allowing managers to plan better.’

Currently installed in four UK sports grounds, (Welford Road, Stadium of Light, the Vitality Stadium, and Kingsholm Stadium), SwipeStation is currently building on its initial success with a crowdfunding campaign via SEEDRS which finishes today. So far, the campaign has raised £419,709 from 464 investors via the equity crowdfunding platform.