
August 11, 2009
Posted by Dan at 5:36 PM
The Connecticut Sun have become the first WNBA team to replace paper tickets with special cards for season ticket holders. A number of other professional sports franchises, including the NBA's Phoenix Suns and the Orlando Magic, have also made the move to ticket cards. The Sun's new season ticket pass is the same size and shape as a normal credit card. The cards offer several advantages over paper tickets. They reduce waste, are very difficult to counterfeit, and they offer flexibility, as games can be added or deleted electronically and they can be integrated with special discount programs.
Each ticket card securely stores the cardholder's ticketing information. When he or she enters the arena, an usher scans the card and the ticket info is verified. Since the ticket information is also stored in a computer database, fans can go online to add, delete or transfer tickets to and from their account. And when playoff tickets become available, season ticket holders can add those to their cards as well.
Another big advantage of the paperless tickets is they make it easy for the team to offer fans discounts at concession stands, retail shops, and local-area restaurants and businesses. Previously they had to send out bulky and expensive coupon books. Now, season ticket holders can simply flash their cards to receive discounts.
One more benefit of the ticket card system: it makes it virtually impossible for fans to forget their tickets at home when they head out to the game. Simply keep the card in your wallet and you're golden.