Hibs say Easter Road will be safer as club moves towards cashless stadium

New electronic system to help stop the spread of germs through handling cash

Easter Road Stadium during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, on April 03, 2020, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Mark Scates / SNS Group)

Hibs fans can buy a pie and bovril without cash once football finally resumes after the club tied up a new merchant service provider.

The new four-year deal with Sporting Pay is worth a "substantial sum" to the club, who say it will not only enhance the matchday experience for supporters at Easter Road Stadium, but also make it a safer environment with the move away from handling cash reducing the transmission of germs.

A brand-new Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system will be put in place at new-look kiosks and hospitality offerings, with the inner bowl of Easter Road to become a cashless stadium.

The move underlines the club's pledge to build on being The Greenest Club in Scotland earlier this year.

Greg McEwan, Head of Marketing and Brand Partnerships, said: “We have been continuing to look at ways of providing the fans the cleanest environment possible for when they return to Easter Road Stadium after this war against coronavirus and this fantastic partnership with Sporting Pay allows us to become a cashless stadium, which is a big step in the right direction by taking away the handling of cash, one of the biggest transmitters of germs.

"We are looking forward to working with Chris Norminton and the team at Sporting Pay and developing the fan experience at Easter Road."

Chris Norminton, Managing Director of Sporting Pay, added: "We are really looking forward to working in partnership with Hibernian and excited about the project of Easter Road becoming a cashless stadium, as we work with some of the largest stadiums in the UK we understand the importance of the fan experience and speed of service.

"Understanding your business and payment needs is essential at this current time and we are looking to work with local businesses in and around Edinburgh, who can all benefit from the same great rates as the club as part of the commercial partnership.

"We are also looking forward to entertaining local companies in hospitality whilst cheering on The Hibees."