Electronic bracelets that allow Naperville Ribfest patrons to buy beer, food, carnival tickets and other items without cash have been approved by the Naperville Liquor Commission.
The wristband devices, known as radio frequency identification or RFID bracelets, are linked to credit or debit cards and activated by a PIN number entered at the time a purchase is made, Ribfest Chairman Joel Carlsen told the commission Thursday. The need to purchase beverage tickets will be eliminated, addressing a long-standing complaint for many fest-goers.
“There are benefits other than better, faster service,” said Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, who chairs the liquor commission. “If something goes wrong, it’s a method of tracking, like a bar with a credit card receipt.”
RFID bracelets can be used to purchase admission, drinks, food, carnival tickets and alcohol, for those with a 21 and over wristband, but patrons will still be allowed to use cash and credit cards as well, Carlsen said. Two purchase lines will be set up — one for cash and the other for customers using the bracelet, a credit/debit card or a cell phone payment method, such as Apple Pay or Android Pay, he said.
The bracelet can also be used to purchase Ribfest entry tickets electronically, Carlsen said. Similar wristbands have been used at the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago.
Fest organizers have also decided to forgo taps to pour cups of beer in favor of selling 16-ounce cans, which should also speed up the waiting time to purchase beverages, Carlsen said. Recycling bins will be set up for the empty cans, which should free up garbage can space for other trash.
Carlsen said he hopes the changes being made will reduce the kind of waiting times many experienced last year when there was a huge turnout to see country act Toby Keith. They’re anticipating similar sized crowds this year for Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith, who will be one of the main stage acts.
Liquor Commissioner Whitney Robbins expressed concern that the bracelets could contribute to underage drinking. “People get pretty crafty sliding them on and off,” she said.
Carlsen assured her the bracelets are for payment purposes only. “The wristbands we’re using for 21 and over are the same we’ve been using every year,” he said.
The electronic bracelet will give fest-goers access to the full park and main stage, front stage area, VIP sponsor tents and/or skybox section, depending on the type of ticket purchased to see the mainstage acts, Carlsen said.
“The VIP area will be more controlled,” he said. “We’re adding a second beer tent in the sponsor area.”
Those who don’t want to go into the north side of the grounds, where the main stage is located, will still have the option of buying less-expensive tickets for the south park, where carnival rides and food vendors are set up.
The commission also approved a new liquor-tasting event, likely featuring whiskey or tequila, in the skybox tent “during the hours of 2 to 6 p.m. that are not well-attended,” Carlsen said. Ribfest organizers are looking for ways to boost attendance during off hours, he said.
