Brewers to begin using license plate technology on Opening Day

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Tuesday, April 2, it'll be Opening Day for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Opening Day for a new parking system. License plate recognition technology is headed to American Family Field.  

To get to the sights and sounds of America's favorite pastime, fans first have to go through long lines for parking. 

“Fans commit a large amount of time to come to a baseball game, and we don’t want that time spent behind a wheel, waiting in line," said Jason Hartlund, the chief commercial officer for the Brewers.

Under the license plate recognition parking system, that's about to change. 

“This is unique to Major League Baseball and to a facility of this magnitude anywhere in this country," said Tony Janowiec, the CEO of Interstate Parking.

The Brewers, in partnership with Interstate Parking, have installed cameras across the stadium parking lot that will use license plate technology to identify every car that comes in. Janowiec says that data will be stored securely in Interstate Parking's system for 36 months before being removed. 

Janowiec says the decision to implement this system came from wanting to better fan experience. 

“On a very busy day, this is going to save fans a half an hour to 45 minutes waiting in line, easily," said Janowiec.

Fans can purchase a pre-paid ticket on the MLB Ballpark app. Once they arrive at the stadium, all they have to do is scan a QR code. 

“Point at the QR code, it’ll open up a browser. Enter your information," said Hartlund. 

People who are purchasing a pass the day-of will have a few additional steps. They will have to scan the QR code and enter their credit card information. 

“Once you’ve done it once, it’s super simple to do it again," said Janowiec.

If you don't have a smartphone, there's no need to worry. 

“There are going to be parking kiosks throughout the property where you can either use a credit card or cash and just enter your license plate number," said Hartlund.

Brewers employees and Interstate Parking employees will be in the parking lots during Opening Day and throughout the season to help walk people through the new system. 

“Anytime you introduce something that’s new, there’s going to be apprehension," said Hartlund.

With shorter lines to get in, Hartlund says he hopes there will be longer pre-game celebrations. 

“It’s part of our DNA. We love the tailgating culture," said Hartlund.