Businesses go cashless

Flying Mummies fans can still buy peanuts and Cracker Jacks — just not with cash. The Richmond team said in a May 19 social media post that all home games will be cashless.

Flying Mummies President and co-owner Matt Bomberg said the team is following the lead of multiple Northwood League teams, as it’s more common across sports in general. 

“We felt this was the best way to start the season,” said Bomberg. He added that operating cash-free offers ease of pay and faster lines. Plus, no cash on hand is one less worry for ballpark security. Acceptable forms of payment include debit and credit cards, Apple and Google Pay, and some money apps (Zelle, Venmo, etc.).

Sports aren’t alone in this venture. No-cash payment options became common during the pandemic, from the tabletop kiosk at Chili’s to ordering DoorDash. Many are now routine.

While cash usage is on the decline, in the U.S. it still represented 14% of transactions in 2024, according to data released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Cash usage tends to be higher in rural areas like Wayne County. Some states, including Ohio, are even considering legally requiring businesses to accept cash for certain kinds of transactions.

Richmond’s Michael Khamis shared his cashless experience at Richmond’s Classic 11 theater. The cinema made the switch as part of AMC’s corporate strategy. 

“It’s really no big deal; you just use your credit card to pay, which is what most people do at most places now anyway,” said Khamis. He wouldn’t be surprised if more businesses go in that direction. He claims the far more distressing fact is that AMC no longer sells Milk Duds. 

Cash-carrying patrons do have options. A machine at the theater transfers paper currency to a gift card. And baseball fans can exchange cash for gift cards at Don McBride Stadium. Bomberg said the community response has been mainly positive, and that they’ll work through any issues, hoping to “accommodate people the best we can.”