Go-Ahead Entry

Opt-in with the MLB Ballpark app and skip the lines

Ensure you have the latest Ballpark app release downloaded from the Apple App Store (Ballpark iOS 12.3 or higher) and the Google Play Store (Ballpark Android 12.8 or higher).

How it Works

  1. Register for free using the latest version of the MLB Ballpark app. Ensure your tickets to the upcoming game are on your MLB Ballpark app account.
  2. Enter the Go-Ahead Entry Lane at Citizens Bank Park at either the First Base or Left Field Gate with your full party.
  3. Approach the gate to enter hands-free.
  4. When you arrive at the ballpark and proceed through the Go-Ahead Entry lane, all individuals will be scanned by the facial authentication cameras for entry. Your family and guests will enter Go-Ahead Entry with you to enter the park if the tickets are on your MLB Ballpark app account.
  5. Enjoy the ballgame!

Registration Steps in the Ballpark app

Helpful tips as you register for Go-Ahead Entry:

  • Ensure you have a plain background without additional faces or objects in the frame
  • Look directly at your phone’s camera with a natural face, without expression
  • Leverage the prompts on the screen to ensure the phone is the right distance from your face
  • If you’re in direct sunlight, try registering indoors or in a shaded area

How to Use Go-Ahead Entry

Once enrolled, fans will have access to use Go-Ahead Entry lanes located at the following gate(s):

  • First Base Gate - lane farthest to the right.
  • Left Field Gate - last farthest to the left.

For best use, we recommend:

  • Tickets are mobile in the MLB Ballpark app - this lane will not work if someone has hard tickets.
  • Fans have their entire party with them - When your face is authenticated, all of the tickets for that day’s game will be granted access. If a member of your group is not with you, we recommend forwarding out that ticket before entering the Go-Ahead lane.
  • Have the person enrolled in Go-Ahead with the tickets at the front of your group - this allows for the entire group to keep moving forward once the ticket holder is authenticated.
  • Ensure that at least two of the main features of your face (eyes, nose, mouth) are visible as you walk through the lane.
  • Continue walking through the gate unless one of the attendants asks you to wait - no need to stop in front of the camera.

FAQs

What is MLB Go-Ahead Entry?
Go-Ahead Entry refers to the combination of free-flow security screening technology and facial authentication-based gate management, resulting in a fast, hands-free entry into the ballpark. MLB’s Go-Ahead Entry technology uses a camera that will identify any opted-in fan as a registered member as they walk in - either alone or with their group - automatically scanning tickets once identified. No need to stop or even get a phone out. Fans can now enjoy the ultimate hands-free, free-flow experience entering the ballpark with their eyes up. Just skip the line and be ready to enjoy the game.

Who can enroll in MLB Go-Ahead Entry?
Enrollment is completely voluntary and is available to anyone 18 years of age or older with a MLB Ballpark account. Registration is available only through the MLB Ballpark app. Individuals below the age of 18 may only enter through the Go-Ahead Experience with their registered parent or legal guardian who is consenting on their behalf.

How can I enroll in MLB Go-Ahead Entry?
The registration process is fast and easy. It starts with the MLB Ballpark app, where you can register for the program in about 10 seconds. Once registered, any ticket associated with your account for games at any participating MLB ballpark is enrolled for Go-Ahead Entry. You can enroll in MLB Go-Ahead Entry by clicking here. Ensure you have the latest version of the app downloaded.

What will I need to agree to?
All ticketed fans using Go-Ahead Entry, including guests in your party entering with you, will need to have their faces scanned and consent and agree to MLB’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy in order to participate.

What data will be collected?
In accordance with MLB’s Privacy Policy, Go-Ahead Entry cameras will scan your face to create a unique numerical token associated with you. The facial scans will be deleted immediately thereafter. Only the unique numerical token will be retained and associated with your MLB account.

When can I register for MLB Go-Ahead Entry?
Registration can be completed at any time in the MLB Ballpark app prior to entry. To ensure the fastest possible entry, we recommend registering in advance of arriving at the ballpark.

Once enrolled, are there any other actions I need to take prior to using the MLB Go-Ahead Entry?
No, once enrolled in MLB Go-Ahead Entry, there is no other action required for sign-up. Enrollment into the program does not guarantee entry into an event. All individuals in your party must be ticketed guests to enter.

What if I want to remove myself from MLB Go-Ahead Entry?
This program is completely voluntary. If you’d like to unregister, you can do so at any time by navigating to your MLB account profile in the MLB Ballpark app, selecting the ā€œMLB Go-Ahead IDā€ link, and following the steps to un-enroll in Go-Ahead Entry.

Will my family and guests need to opt-in in order to attend a game?
No, only one member of a group will need to be opted in to Go-Ahead Entry to use these designated lanes. When you arrive at the ballpark, similar to a restaurant reservation, you will need to have valid tickets for all members of your party, and everyone will need to be with you to enter the Go-Ahead Entry lane together. Everyone in your group will be scanned by the facial authentication cameras and permitted for entry, however only opted-in members will be ā€œrecognizedā€. Your family and guests will enter Go-Ahead Entry with you to enter the park if the tickets are on your MLB Ballpark app account. If you have guests who will be arriving at a different time or who do not wish to have their faces scanned, we recommend you forward their ticket ahead of entry. After receiving the ticket, they will have the opportunity to opt-in to the experience, or they can choose to enter at any standard entry lane.

What if my entire party is not present when I enter the lane?
You can forward your tickets to your guests using the MLB Ballpark app and enter with the rest of your party. If you choose not to forward your tickets but prefer not to wait for your other guests, you can use any standard entry gate.

What if my guests don’t want to participate in Go-Ahead Entry?
In the event that your guest is not interested in participating, you can forward the ticket to your guest from the MLB Ballpark app. Your guest can enter through any standard entry gate by scanning their ticket from the MLB Ballpark app. If they haven’t already, your guest will need to download the MLB Ballpark app and create an MLB account in order to access and use the forwarded ticket(s).

What if my group includes children under the age of 18?
If you are enrolled in MLB Go-Ahead Entry, your own child(ren) or ward(s) can enter the game with you as part of your ticketed group. If there are any minor children in your group and you are not their parent or legal guardian, your party will need to enter through any standard entry gate and scan your tickets from the MLB Ballpark app.

Will I need to show my ticket(s)?
You will not need to show your ticket(s) at entry, but be sure you can access your ticket(s) in the MLB Ballpark app for entry into other areas inside the ballpark (e.g., clubs, VIP areas, etc.) or to use any loaded value on your ticket(s) for concessions or retail purchases. You will need to show your ticket(s) in the MLB Ballpark app to access your seat(s).

Will Go-Ahead Entry be available for entry at other gates at Citizens Bank Park?
At this time, Go-Ahead Entry is only available at the First Base and Left Field Gates. We have plans to expand the offering in 2024.

Where do I enter Citizens Bank Park?
Go-Ahead Entry is available at the First Base and Left Field Gates.

Will Go-Ahead Entry be available at other ballparks?
During the 2023 MLB season, the Go-Ahead Entry experience will launch exclusively at Citizens Bank Park.

What if I'm wearing a face mask, hat, glasses, or have facial hair?
Face masks, hats, glasses, colored contacts, head scarves, or facial hair should not affect the scanner. The vast majority of sunglasses, face paint schemes, and sequins will also not impact the scanner. However, it is advisable not to use multiple items at once (e.g., hat and face mask and glasses).

What happens if my face is not matched at the Go-Ahead Entry lane?
If we are unable to match your face at the entry lane, you will need to scan your ticket directly from the MLB Ballpark app.

How is the information that MLB collects secure?
The security, integrity, and confidentiality of your information are extremely important to us. We have implemented technical, administrative, and physical security measures designed to protect fan information from unauthorized access, disclosure, use, and modification that follow or exceed industry standards for security. We regularly review our security procedures and evaluate applicable new technology to keep our methods up to date and in compliance with state law.