The Philadelphia Phillies and concessioner Aramark are testing the use of Apple Business Chat to allow Phillies fans in select areas of the stadium to order water and beer and have it delivered to their seats.
The arrangement doesn’t require a special app, it instead makes use of your iPhone’s Camera app to scan a QR code to launch the Messages app. You can see how it all works in the video above.
To order, a fan would first open the iPhone camera app and scan the QR code on the seat back. That will launch prompts on the iMessage text screen to place the order, which is then completed with Apple Pay. The drink will be delivered supposedly shortly after.
The pilot program began on July 20, and will be available to fans sitting in Sections 142, 143, 144, and 145 during 10 games (July 20-25 and Aug. 2-5).
Aramark says it is the first concessionaire to try this. If this all works out, the program will presumably be expanded to the rest of the ballpark.
Apple Business Chat is part of iOS 11, and allows ask for information, schedule appointments, and even make purchases right in Messages on your iPhone or iPad. For more information and to see a list of the businesses using Apple Business Chat, visit the Apple website.
