Hickory Crawdads Going Cashless Leaves Fans Utterly Upset By: Breana Blackman

Never in a million years did I think a stadium going cashless would have a neighborhood in an uproar. But the folks underneath Hickory Crawdads Facebook post have proven me utterly wrong. On Tuesday the Hickory Crawdads sent out a press release announcing that the stadium plans to go cashless and will have a clear bag policy in effect for the upcoming season.

Residents of Hickory and surrounding areas did not take this news lightly and were quick to scold the baseball company on how much they disliked the upcoming changes. One user’s comment had me flabbergasted. Karen Kincaid said and I quote “I'm going to miss coming to watch the games. My family has been coming over 23 years. I primarily use cash in my daily life and I don't intend to convert.” I’m not flabbergasted at the fact that she uses cash in her everyday life… But the fact that she’s willing to give up a 20-year tradition.

Karen clearly let the Crawdads know that she will no longer conduct business with them due to a policy many other stadiums have successfully implemented since the pandemic. Odd is it not? Technology and times are changing and to sacrifice something fun the entire family enjoys seems a bit…. selfish to say the least.

I understand the fact that people like to conduct business with cash for multiple different reasons and you are entitled into doing so. We are in a period and time where technology continues to develop and you can’t expect your hobbies to be affected by that. Cashless stadiums come with two things fans absolutely benefit from speed and ease. I’d like to run in between innings, grab a beer, and be back in my seat with ease. Digital Wallets are very popular and to be able to pay for your goodies with just a flick of your wrist shouldn’t bring an uproar.

I’d love to highlight another comment as I chimed in with angry fans to try to get folks to see the good in all of this. I left a comment on the Hickory Daily Record’s post saying “Out with the old in with the new! It’s amazing seeing boomers complain about a cashless stadium. Friendly Reminder Microsoft is coming to Hickory. Wake up or be left behind.” Robert left a comment (that is now deleted) asking how are kids going to be able to buy concessions during field trips? I replied with “Cash to Card stations will be available. So kids can easily revert a 20-dollar bill onto a payable card. Just like Dave And Busters. Too many people are reading the headline and jumping to conclusions.”

I never heard back from Robert after that. I’m not sure you can argue the cash-to-card conversions. Yes, the stadium is going cashless but you are welcome to convert your cash into a payable card. If you choose not to do so, that's on you. The Texas Rangers Affiliates still play their season