INTELLIGENT MOBILE TECHNOLOGY functions inside the grounds which are set to increase the user experience throughout the day . No longer will the mobile just be another object in your pocket , it will now be a gateway device to stadium garages , the grounds , food and drink services , a security pass and an interactive device throughout the day . After using the electronic ticket to access the grounds , users will be able to make purchases made within the stadium directly from their phone , find their seats more clearly with an interactive map , order food directly to their seats and beat the long half-time queues , locate the nearest toilet and emergency exit and interact with additional features within the stadium as a whole . By bringing a truly interactive experience to sporting fixtures , users can enjoy a better experience and also be rewarded by their sports team for their loyalty .
Teams will be able to reward their loyal fans directly through the app , and who does not love a loyalty reward scheme ? Instead of collecting air miles on flights , loyal fans are rewarded with points that can be used for in-stadium purchases . The stadium management can incorporate a host of additional extras like a round of drinks for the next game , or premium offers such as last minute ticket discounts , VIP experiences and more to ensure brand loyalty is constantly incentivised amongst fans .
Specific push notifications can be enabled to keep fans up-to-date with the latest team information , helping to boost team loyalty . By increasing the users experience through loyalty and streamlined services and interaction within the stadium , users are also protected from fraudulent and overpriced value tickets .
By having electronic tickets verified on a mobile device through the authentic team application , ticket touts will no longer be able to resell tickets outside the stadium and online at highly inflated prices . Stadium organisers will also be able to tell who has purchased their
With stadium owners looking to increasingly utilise the latest technology and enhance user experience , mobile ticketing looks set to take off
tickets through the application , similar to airlines , and will be able to locate anybody with previous instances of disruptive or violent behaviour . Stadium managers can then take the appropriate action but can also employ the loyalty rewards scheme for good behaviour .
With electronic ticketing , users are guaranteed to keep their ticket on them at all times in the guise of their smartphone . Gone are the days when tickets fall out of coat pockets or get left in the pub before the game . Multiple ticket holders , for family or groups , will be able to transfer tickets to each other via the app or store them all for the specific game on the day , further helping to remove the stress of ensuring multiple paper tickets are kept safe .
While some fans are already migrating to electronic tickets , many will be hesitant to make the move through one reason or another . What happens when my smartphone runs out of battery ? Will my ticket still work with a shattered screen ? I am still using my Nokia 3510 , will I be able to attend games ? One of the more common arguments for paper tickets is the desire to retain the physical ticket as a keepsake to remember the game .
With the development of electronic tickets however , stadium organisers are able to integrate many additional features , one of which could be the issuance of memorabilia tickets that can be stored within the app . Alternatively , tickets could be sent out post-match to electronic ticket users who request a printed version , complete with the final score .
By reducing the need to print and mail tickets , organisers are saving huge sums of money on logistics that can in turn be funneled back into the stadium to further enhance the users experience and benefit the attendees as a whole . Additionally the reduction in paper consumed is having a positive environmental impact as well . As consumers and organisers become more conscious of their overall environmental impact , this is likely to be seen as a big factor in the shift from paper to electronic tickets .
With stadium managers always looking to make their fans sports day experience easier , yet still provide a high level of service , mobile ticketing and stadium apps are set to change things for the better . Reward points will bring a new level of engagement and make fans feel more valued and part of the overall team experience .
The increasing use of technology in stadiums , including smartphone access , is set to enrich the sports fans overall experience and guarantee them coming back for more .
Harm Radstaak is Vice President and Managing Director of Physical Access Control Solutions with HID Global
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