The Ricoh Arena in Coventry will become the first cashless stadium in the UK next season.
Cashless payment cards can be 'topped up' with cash by the holder to buy food and drink at kiosks throughout the concourses.
They have been sent to Coventry City Season Ticket Holders ahead of next Saturday's match against Plymouth Argyle containing £3 credit courtesy of the club.
The Sky Blues are running the scheme in partnership with Arena Coventry Limited and the Compass Group as part of chairman Ray Ranson's move to re-structure the club's finances and take a greater share of match day revenue.
The cashless payment cards can also be used against Stoke City and Wolves next month.(April)
Supporters will be issued with a new season ticket smartcard for the 2008/09 campaign which will contain their season ticket and their cashless payment card.
Ray Ranson, chairman of Coventry City FC, said it was exciting news that the Ricoh Arena was leading the way in British football by becoming the first cashless stadium in the UK.
"These cards will lead to less queuing and faster service at the kiosks when fans are buying their favourite drinks and snacks," he said.
"We have sent season-ticket holders a letter explaining what to do from the Plymouth game onwards and fans who buy a ticket or turn-up on the day to the last three home games of the season will be given a flyer explaining what to do.
"When fans have gone through the turnstiles they should look out for the 'cashless payment' staff who will be dressed in lime green to top up their card with cash (minimum of £5).
"You then go to the kiosks to buy your refreshments and food and your card will be scanned to take the payment.
"If you want to refund the outstanding credit on your card, for one hour after half-time go to the staff at one of the cashless payment terminals in the concourses or you can keep the card to use at the next match.
"The complimentary £3 given to season-ticket holders must be spent this season.
"To ease people into using this new system we will also be accepting cash at the kiosks just like usual against Plymouth, Stoke and Wolves before we totally switch to the cashless payment card system at the start of next season."
Daniel Gidney, chief executive of the Ricoh Arena, said this scheme was already successful in Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Hanover and Schalke in Germany.
"We are confident the cashless payment cards will reduce queuing times which will give fans more chance to watch the football and improve the overall match day experience for everyone attending the Ricoh," he said.
Sky Blues season-ticket holders will be given a further £7 complimentary credit when their new smartcard arrives for the 2008/09 season.
For further information log on to www.cashless-payment.co.uk
