Phone-Free Spaces Arrive in Charlotte, NC: Experience Yondr Pouch Technology

By Jessica Hatton

Charlotte, North Carolina

Imagine being able to enjoy a show without distractions of the phones from other people around you and viewing a show for the very first time…And employing a new technology called Yondr now allows exactly that at the Spectrum Center events in Charlotte, North Carolina. Yondr is a new phone locking device mechanism, makes this possible to experience shows in this way. This technology is continuing to make its way to Charlotte as it will become a regular household name for entertainment events.

Yondr is a brand that created a locking pouch that can be used to store viewers handheld devices for the time that they are in an event venue. 

The spectrum Center is mainly known from hosting many concerts, basketball games and shows such as comedies. The venue has different seating availabilities from 4000- 17000 people. The center is located at 333 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. This location in the city is considered as “Uptown Charlotte”.  

John Mulaney, American comedian, requested to use Yondr technology at his show in Charlotte, NC on April 2. This was for his “From Scratch” tour that was held at the Spectrum Center. John Mulaney is on a multi-city tour and has requested this technology be in place at his shows. Mulaney has reported that, “Going on the road for long stretches can seem daunting, and I certainly miss being home sometimes, but the chance to see so many different cities, let alone perform in them, is something I am really grateful for.” One of these cities, being North Carolina’s own Charlotte.  He has another show coming up in Raleigh, NC on May 22.

When attendees arrive at the venue, they will first scan in their mobile ticket with show staff and be handed a written ticket in return that has their seating info. Guests will then be guided to staff at the doors who will instruct guests to turn their phones and watches on silent. This is where I came into place… I, along with other event staff, hand these bags back the guests who will hold these bags with their belongings for the duration of the event. I helped instruct on how these Yondr bags work and how to place them in them. 

Since Yondr is a newer concept and all of show attendees have not experienced yet, show staff will give thorough directions to clear up any confusion and questions of this. Attendees were also notified while purchasing the ticket that the Yondr system will be in affect. The Spectrum Center website states that, “This event will be a phone-free experience. Use of phones, smart watches and accessories, will not be permitted in the performance space”. This gives people time to learn about the product and its features. Spectrum center wants to, “event at Spectrum Center will create memories to last a lifetime.”

If guests do need to use their phone in the duration of the event, there is phone usage locations throughout the venue. There are signs directing the guests to where these designated locations are. In these areas, there will be staff present who can unlock the pouch. The magnets that unlock these pouches look much like the ones in clothing departments to take the sensor off of garments. Attendees are free to use their phone in this area and will place it back in the pouch before they return to watching the show.

The reason that performers request this type of technology is that paying attendees can enjoy their time without the interruptions that cell phones may bring. It also gives them a chance to experience something new that is not a pre-viewed performance. For example, comedians can create a more authentic experience this way and it can’t be spoiled before they get to watch a live performance if someone were to record this showing on a smart device and share it on multiple media platforms. 

The Yondr bags were implemented and passed out by a company called ATN staffing. This staffing group instructed employees on how to utilize the implementation of Yondr. Anywhere from small theaters to large coliseums is projected to see a rise in the use of these within the next year. They have been utilized in other areas than comedy, such as concerts and places of school. With schools implemented more technology, it will be interesting to see if this trend catches on in places of learning.

I would like to go to more events at the spectrum center or within the area to compare and contrast events that has it in place and events that do not. The Spectrum center is the hub of activity here and guests can transport there by the Charlotte Transportation Center on Trade Street.  There are also multiple paid parking lots and garages surrounding the center. They have 3 concerts coming up in May ranging from different genres and more lined up through the year which can be found at: https://www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com/events. 

Visit: https://www.overyondr.com/