An article in today's issue of Sports Business Journal (subscriber access only) by Don Muret offers some additional detail on the "smart card" ticketing system being implemented at Red Bull Arena. According to the article:
- The all-inclusive system, similar to the one used at the Emirates Stadium in London by Arsenal season ticket holders (shown above), represents an investment of more than $200,000 for the club.
- The cards can be used for both admission and loaded with stored value for concessions, either via the club web site or stadium service booths.
- The cards will also be tied to a loyalty points program, enabling the team to send real-time messages to fans on their mobile devices.
- The system will be limited to providing gate access for the "soft opening" on March 13, though the the concessions portion of the program will be live in time for the Red Bulls-Santos FC match.
