The SNHU Arena, formerly known as the Verizon Wireless Arena, is an indoor arena located in Manchester, New Hampshire. With a capacity of over 11,000 people, it is the largest arena in the state and hosts numerous concerts, sporting events, family shows, and other events throughout the year.
In recent years, many venues have started to go cashless and only accept credit/debit cards or mobile payments for food, drinks, merchandise, and tickets. This speeds up transactions, reduces cash handling costs, and provides other benefits. With this growing trend, a common question is if the SNHU Arena is now a cashless venue.
Brief History of the SNHU Arena
The SNHU Arena first opened in 2001 after three years of construction. Some key facts about the arena:
- Cost $158 million to build
- Owned and operated by Comcast Spectacor
- Home arena for the Manchester Monarchs ice hockey team from 2001-2015
- Hosted the NCAA Frozen Four in 2003
- Hosted the first two rounds of the NCAA Basketball Tournament in 2012 and 2016
The naming rights were originally owned by Verizon Wireless from 2001 until 2016. In 2016, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) acquired the naming rights and changed the arena’s name to the SNHU Arena.
Cashless Transactions Continue to Grow
The use of cashless and contactless payments has been steadily growing around the world and accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some key statistics:
- Global cashless transactions grew by 11% in 2020 and are projected to grow at a 12% CAGR between 2021-2025
- Debit card payments increased by 18% globally in 2020
- Contactless card payments more than doubled in 2020 in the US
- 41% of US consumers say they now use cash less due to the pandemic
There are several benefits driving this growth in cashless transactions:
Benefits of Cashless Transactions
- Speed – Cashless payments are faster than cash payments
- Convenience – Especially contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Cleanliness – No need to handle cash and coins during a pandemic
- Consumer spending data – Better data on sales, customers, inventory, etc.
- Cost savings – Reduce cash handling costs like transportation and security
Many sports stadiums, concert venues, festivals, and other event spaces have been transitioning to cashless operations to provide these benefits to vendors and customers.
SNHU Arena Payment Options
So has the SNHU Arena gone completely cashless? The venue has not eliminated cash entirely, but has shifted towards encouraging more cashless transactions. Here are the payment options currently available at the SNHU Arena:
Concessions and Merchandise
For food, drinks, souvenirs, and other concession purchases, the SNHU Arena accepts:
- Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Contactless payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
- Cash
Cash is still accepted but customers are encouraged to pay with credit/debit cards or contactless payments when possible. Signage promotes cashless payment options.
Parking
The SNHU Arena parking facilities (attached parking garage and surrounding lots) have transitioned to completely cashless. All parking must be paid by:
- Credit card
- Mobile app payment (ParkMobile)
Cash payment is no longer accepted for parking.
Ticket Purchases
Tickets purchased online in advance through Ticketmaster as well as season ticket purchases only accept electronic payment by credit card or debit card.
Tickets purchased on-site at the SNHU Arena box office location still accept both cash and card payments.
Cashless Trend Will Likely Continue
While not completely cashless currently, the SNHU Arena appears to be following the overall trend towards encouraging more cashless transactions. There are several reasons this shift will likely continue:
- Speeds up concessions and entry to reduce wait times
- Provides customer spending data and analytics
- Reduces costs associated with cash handling
- Aligns with consumer shift to use less cash
- Lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic
Other stadiums and venues that have transitioned to cashless have seen positive results. As more customers become accustomed to cashless payments in everyday life, venues can increase adoption by promoting options like contactless payments, mobile ordering, and mobile ticket delivery.
The SNHU Arena will likely phase out more cash usage over time and potentially go completely cashless in the future as part of this continuing trend. Of course, they will provide notices well in advance before making any final decisions to fully eliminate cash if they move in that direction.
Cashless Considerations for Customers
If you plan to attend an event at the SNHU Arena, here are some tips to prepare for more cashless transactions:
- Bring a credit card or debit card to use for food, drinks, parking, and merchandise
- Download a contactless payment app like Apple Pay or Google Pay on your mobile device
- Order and pay for parking through the ParkMobile app in advance
- Bring only limited cash for in-person box office ticket purchases
- Be prepared to move through concessions and parking quickly with your card/mobile device ready
You will still be able to use cash at the venue, but having other payment options ready will provide the fastest and most convenient experience. Over time, the SNHU Arena may provide more technology like self-service kiosks that only accept cashless payments as well.
Conclusion
The SNHU Arena has begun transitioning certain areas to cashless operations, like parking and online ticket sales. However, the venue still accepts cash for in-person purchases like concessions and box office tickets. Cashless and contactless payment options continue to be encouraged and promoted throughout the arena.
This shift towards cashless aligns with broader moves in the restaurant, retail, and entertainment industries. As consumer behaviors change and venues look to speed up transactions, reduce costs, and access customer data, cash usage is declining rapidly.
While not completely cashless yet, the SNHU Arena provides a glimpse of the future as stadiums, concert halls, and other event spaces embrace cashless transactions. Fans can prepare by bringing cards and mobile payment devices for a smooth experience. The cashless trend creates convenience but also raises questions around inclusivity that society must consider as well.