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New sports technology at Washington's Husky Stadium enhances fan experience

The UW is the first school in Washington to implement the technology

By Lindsey Kirschman, SeattlePI

|Updated
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 9: Washington fans cheered during the football game between the Washington Huskies and the Montana Grizzlies on September 09, 2017 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. Washington won 63-7 over Montana. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 9: Washington fans cheered during the football game between the Washington Huskies and the Montana Grizzlies on September 09, 2017 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. Washington won 63-7 over Montana. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The University of Washington announced Thursday a partnership with Texas-based tech company Digital Seat Media, implementing new technology around Husky Stadium designed to enhance fan experience.

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This fall, fans in attendance at Husky football home games will be able to scan new QR codes installed on each seat to instantly access UW's new Digital Seat fan portal. The use of the QR code eliminates the need to download an app or rely on Wi-Fi connectivity, which can be an issue in crowded areas like football stadiums. Over 70,000 QR codes have been implemented in Husky Stadium.

The Digital Seat fan portal features contactless concession ordering, access to exclusive Instagram filters, player and team stats, downloadable coupons, and more.

The UW is the first school in Washington to implement technology of this kind.

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The Digital Seat platform is designed to work on all smartphone devices, regardless of wireless carrier or brand. 

Earlier this week, UW Athletics also announced that the football stadium will begin selling beer and wine throughout the stadium beginning this fall. Previously, alcoholic beverages were only available for purchase in designated areas. It's not immediately clear whether alcohol purchases will be available through Digital Seat concession ordering, or how the transaction would operate.

The Huskies kick off their 2021 season on Saturday, September 4 against the Montana Grizzlies. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. at Husky Stadium and can be viewed on the PAC-12 network. Tickets are on sale, but availability is low.

Lindsey Kirschman is a web producer for the SeattlePI.