Wells Fargo Center is using a new, contactless AI-powered security system

Folks heading to an event at the Wells Fargo Center in the next few months may notice it takes less time than usual to get through the front doors as the venue tests a new AI-power security system.

As of Monday, the South Philadelphia sports and entertainment venue has entered into a partnership with Massachusetts-based Evolv Technology, maker of a walkthrough system that uses artificial intelligence and analytics to detect weapons. While attendees walk through a set of tall sensors just outside the Wells Fargo Center’s entrances, Evolv’s AI software and cloud services are meant to spot dangerous items and alert security staff about them, while ignoring everyday items like cell phones and keys.

The sensors’ technology scans for these dangerous items while attendees are still wearing them, General Manager Phil Laws said in a video statement. That means you probably won’t need to empty your pockets or bags.

“This is the first time in a long time we’ve added something that just makes it completely passthrough, frictionless screening — walk right into the venue,” Laws said.

Evolv’s technology. (Image via courtesy video)

The venue using Evolv at Flyers games in February. The new system is paired with a change in the venue’s bag policy: This past season it began allowing bags larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, but smaller than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches. Bags are still subject to an X-ray screening, the venue said, but the Wells Fargo Center is hopeful that the frequency of this security step will decrease with the Evolv screenings.

Evolv Technology also works with the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies, and is used at some of the United States’ largest sports stadiums, including the National Football League’s SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Major League Soccer’s Lower.com Field in Columbus.

Valerie Camillo, president and CEO of Spectacor Sports and Entertainment, said the new security system is part of a $350 million transformation project for the venue. The project included changes ranging from infrastructure to cosmetic to experiences.

Another Philly institution getting an AI upgrade this spring: Philadelphia International Airport, where 25 gates will use facial biometric technology for non-US citizens boarding departing flights.