As we gear up to a big month of sport with the start of the Six Nations Rugby and the Super Bowl in Atlanta, we look at how digital ordering and mobile ticketing technologies are shaping the fan experience.
1. Digital ordering
Digital ordering technology is increasingly popular among fans at sporting events who appreciate the ability to purchase the next drink from their seats and collect when it suits. Rugby’s six nations championship returns this weekend, where will once again see England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales take each other on over the course of five rugby-packed weekends of fixtures. The big game on Saturday 2nd February sees Ireland and England clash at the Aviva stadium, one of the early adopters of digital ordering. The stadium in partnership with Preoday has operated a pre-order app called Rapid-Q since 2015, which gives fans an opportunity to pre-order their drinks at a designated time and collection point. The Rapid-Q app has proved hugely popular at enhancing the fan experience with over 10,000 downloads.
As we see more and more stadiums going cashless, the need for technology and platforms like Preoday are integral to driving the change and offering a more convenient experience allowing fans to purchase not only their food and drink, but merchandise, match day programmes and possibly tickets for upcoming matches digitally.
2. Mobile Ticketing
Mobile ticketing is transforming the user experience at sports fixtures. The change is being embraced by the sporting industry where event providers are looking to find ways to develop mobile ticketing into an essential part of attendees’ experience whilst increasing safety and security.
Queens Park Rangers are a recent example of this kind of forward thinking. In partnership with Ticketmaster Sport, QPR has extended their mobile ticketing offering becoming the first UK football club to integrate the only in-app mobile ticketing solution that allows secure ticket transfers across operating systems. The ticket wallet is a newly developed and innovative mobile ticketing technology from fan engagement specialists, InCrowd and enables QPR fans to enjoy a seamless, stress-free and engaging journey from their front door to their seat in the stadium. While it is still early days for this ground-breaking technology, the uplift from supporters has been positive, with 12% of fans now using the new ticket wallet.
Mobile ticketing also brings the opportunity to reward fans directly through the app. Fans can be rewarded with points that can be used for in-stadium purchases, offers and VIP experiences to ensure brand loyalty is constantly incentivised.
The future is exciting with digital technologies driving sports clubs to reinvent the art of the possible and better connect with fans. For more information about how pre-ordering can integrate with existing sports technology, benefit your venue, event or sporting team, email hello@preoday.com
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