The early trends following the introduction of contactless tickets at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia are showing strong adoption of contactless ticketing by fans.
The 52,500 multi-use stadium, which hosts rugby, soccer, concerts and other sporting events, has held 11 games since the introduction of contactless tickets and around 15,000 fans had entered the venue using the new technology.
Some 60% of mobile ticket holders had loaded their tickets to their Apple Wallet, allowing them to use tap-and-go.
Suncorp Stadium which is managed by ASM Global became the first sports and entertainment stadium in Australia to offer contactless tickets on iPhone and Apple Watch in June this year, through the company’s and venue’s partnership with Ticketek.
Chairman and CEO of ASM Global in Asia Pacific, Harvey Lister described the figures as very encouraging. He said, “We are proud to be the first venue in Australia to offer this innovative technology for our customers through our ticketing partner Ticketek.
“Contactless tickets on iPhone and Apple Watch are easier and more secure, eliminating the need to search pockets or wallets and fans no longer have to worry about losing their paper ticket.
“The benefits also extend beyond the turnstile, with fans also able to use Apple Pay to purchase food, drinks and merchandise throughout the stadium.
E-ticketing technology provider TEG’s chief operating officer and head of ticketing, Cameron Hoy, said customer adoption of digital tickets is accelerating in Australia, with over 2 million tickets added to Apple Wallets by Ticketek fans since January. He said, “We are excited to have partnered with Suncorp Stadium in a world first to bring their customers a seamless, secure and frictionless experience when making their way into the venue.”
Ticketek launched mobile tickets in 2011. Since then, there has been rapid growth in customer adoption of digital tickets, with over 70% of tickets in Australia now delivered electronically, and 41% of these directly to mobiles. The addition of contactless ticketing is predicted to further accelerate the shift to paperless digital ticketing.
