The Digital Press

A visit to a Los Angeles stadium for a Portland Thorns game revealed that new AI-driven concession checkout systems caused long lines, reduced food options, and a worse overall experience compared to the previous year.

Why it matters: AI-based self-checkout kiosks significantly slowed service, causing long waits and missed game action during a hot day.

The stakes: Reduced menu variety and slow transactions risk fan dissatisfaction and potential health issues from delays in hydration.

The other side: The stadium claims AI checkouts are 400% faster and increase profits 25%, though the author's experience strongly contradicts this.

Commenters say: Many criticize the overhyped AI, noting that automation requiring human intervention isn't true automation and often worsens customer experience.