Edgbaston Stadium will become the first business in the UK to deploy innovative smart-return technology for reusable cups under a collaboration with its long-standing strategic partner Levy, Event Cup Solutions, and Belgian RFID technology experts Aucxis.
Launching in the spring, ahead of a busy cricket season with Internationals including the Women's T20 World Cup and domestic fixtures including Vitality Blast Finals Day, the technology allows visitors to enjoy fuss-free cup returns with an automatic "deposit refund" when leaving the stadium. The ground-breaking STAR RFID solution has been successfully rolled out in Belgium, and its arrival at the world-famous Edgbaston Stadium marks a significant upgrade in spectator convenience.
By introducing this automated cup return system, we are removing one of the main pain points for fans - the queue to return cups at the end of the day.
The project builds on a strong existing foundation with Event Cup Solutions, which has been the reusable cup provider of choice at the stadium since 2023 This latest innovation takes the supply to the next level by ensuring the return process is as high-quality as the service itself.
A key benefit of the innovative deposit return system is the total removal of frustrating queues for visitors waiting to hand in empty cups at the end of a match. By simply dropping cups into "smart collection points," fans can head home faster without the usual bottlenecks. The technology also provides certainty that deposits will be refunded to the correct account, even if a friend or family member returns the cups on the purchaser's behalf. Because the system recognises the original transaction, whoever has paid for the drinks gets their money back automatically, making it the perfect solution for groups and families.
Beyond the visitor experience, the system also delivers operational and sustainability benefits. RFID-enabled collection points handle large volumes simultaneously, reduce manual counting for staff and support a circular reuse model that lowers single-use waste, all without any extra effort from visitors.
Lucy Hayes, Operations Director for Edgbaston Stadium, says: "We are immensely proud to be the first UK venue to adopt this technology. Our priority is always to provide the best possible experience for everyone who visits our ground. By introducing this automated cup return system, we are removing one of the main pain points for fans - the queue to return cups at the end of the day. This is about making a visit to Edgbaston Stadium as seamless and enjoyable as possible from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave."
Adam Hucknall, Levy General Manager at Edgbaston Stadium, adds: "This is another example of the innovative suppliers and collaborations we bring to our partner venues. Our focus is to ensure that visitors to Edgbaston Stadium can experience their day out with the least amount of hassle. We are always looking for solutions to help improve the customer journey, while keeping everyone safe, and this automated system from Aucxis is a significant step forward in putting the fan first."
Jason Scrivens, Chief Innovation Officer at Aucxis, comments: "After seeing the success of our smart-return systems in Belgium, we are thrilled to partner with Event Cup Solutions in such an iconic sports venue as Edgbaston Stadium for our UK debut. Our technology is designed to handle high-capacity crowds with precision, to make life easier for the public, ensuring that returning a cup is as quick and simple as possible. We look forward to helping cricket fans enjoy a faster, smarter experience this summer."
