Football clubs across Europe are migrating their fan ticketing solution to support NFC in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. The access, ticketing and membership management partners of many top-flight football clubs have come to us for assistance in implementing these NFC wallet ticketing upgrades. This allows Apple and Android phone users to store NFC-enabled tickets in their digital Wallets and use them with a simple ‘tap’, similar to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
We’re delighted that our VTAP readers have been selected to significantly improve the fan experience at topflight football clubs in the UK, across all La Liga stadiums in Spain, and at FC Porto in Portugal.
Why the upsurge in NFC Wallet tickets?
Football clubs are increasingly adopting NFC mobile wallet technology for ticketing and membership IDs. This shift is being driven by the significant benefits over other ticketing solutions:
- Convenience. With over 650 million people already using Apple Pay and Google Pay, consumers clearly love the simplicity of just holding their phone over an NFC reader to pay. With NFC enabled digital passes stored in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, fans enjoy the same ‘just tap’ experience for ticket entry, membership validation and loyalty.
- Faster turnstile access. NFC wallet tickets significantly reduce wait times at entry gates – no need to open apps or find QR-codes. Fans enter the stadium quickly and safely with increased throughput for an improved fan experience.
- No more lost tickets. Mobile phones have become an essential part of modern life and are always kept close at hand. Digital passes simplify things by allowing people to keep all their essentials on their phone, as well as reducing the environmental impact of producing and distributing physical tickets.
- Enhanced security. NFC wallet passes benefit from Apple Wallet and Google Wallet security features, reducing the risk of counterfeit tickets and unauthorized access. Football clubs can control the transferability of tickets, ensuring that only legitimate members and ticket holders gain entry.
- Digital interactivity. Digital wallet passes can be updated in response to consumer interactions (such as earning and redeeming loyalty points, or for stored value transactions). Wallet notifications can also be triggered to communicate with fans.
All of these features improve efficiency in managing large crowds and provide a seamless, secure and convenient experience for fans.
How to upgrade existing infrastructure to NFC wallet?
VTAP wallet readers are designed for super straightforward integration, which makes them ideal for inclusion in existing systems, as well as new projects:
- Our clever firmware. VTAP’s clever firmware does all the hard work. Apple and Google configurations are handled identically. No special software tools or drivers are needed.
- The widest range of connectivity options. Anything from USB and RS-232 to Wiegand, RS-485, OSDP, PoE, Bluetooth and even Wi-Fi makes VTAP readers perfect for attaching to existing systems, as well as deploying in new settings.
- Built-in legacy media support. Compatible with popular contactless ticket formats, such as MIFARE and MIFARE Ultalight. Connectivity with existing optical QR and barcode scanners.
- Compact form factor options. Available as embedded reader boards certified for integration into other housings or encased in a neat enclosure that can be mounted in several orientations.
- Engineering expertise. We offer expert guidance and services around NFC antenna design and optimisation, through-screen operation, and other innovations to ensure the best user experience.
PC Porto deployed VTAP NFC in 6 weeks
FC Porto became the first club in Portugal to adopt NFC mobile wallet technology for digital membership cards, across their entire facilities infrastructure. They deployed VTAP NFC wallet readers throughout the Estádio do Dragão and other club venues. Working with Exclusivkey and Passmeister, it took only 6 weeks from initial delivery of VTAP sample units, to the public launch of FC Porto’s NFC wallet digital membership cards.
“We are not just introducing a new membership card. It is a gateway to the future of the club and to FC Porto’s relationship with its members” – Tiago Madureira, vice-president of FC Porto
Football clubs and other sports venue owners recognize the benefits of NFC wallet passes replacing paper tickets with fraud-prone QR-codes and barcodes. NFC Wallet tickets will become the standard for ticketing and membership in the sports industry. By embracing digital innovation, football clubs can now offer a superior experience to their fans while ensuring security and boosting efficiency.