How a national second division could use mobile-only ticketing

While mobile ticketing has been around for over a decade, its presence is only increasing with some sporting events starting to move to mobile-only ticketing.

In 2019, U.S. Soccer extended a deal with its official ticketing provider Ticketmaster. The deal included plans to use Ticketmaster Presence a platform which replaces paper tickets with digital passes.

Most MLS clubs have been moving to mobile ticketing over the last few years with the Seattle Sounders in 2016 becoming the first MLS team to go fully mobile.

The MLS offers mobile ticketing via the league’s official app and MLS club apps.

There are now many ticketing platforms which offer mobile ticketing.

Australian soccer could use a platform such as TicketCo.

TicketCo was launched in 2013 with an aim to create a user-friendly ticketing solution.

“By providing a frictionless payment journey for the public and a single point of administration for the event organiser, TicketCo is creating the best value for both users and organisers. Through TicketCo organisers can sell both tickets, food and beverages, merchandise and accommodation,” TicketCo said on their website.

Here are the major reasons why Australian soccer should consider a move to mobile only ticketing.

COVID safe

The contactless aspect to mobile ticketing makes the technology extremely important as the FFA will be looking into how to get as many fans into stadiums safely during the pandemic.

TicketCo UK Country Manager David Kenny told fc business of the tracking and tracing ability of the TicketCo platform.

“Our traceability feature can enable football clubs to accurately record the details of everyone who enters the stadium. It works by scanning the ID of the supporter, or colleague when they enter the stadium, via a smartphone or tablet,” Kenny said.

“The information would then be stored accordance with GDPR regulation for the period required by the government for tracing. Once the time frame expires the data would automatically be deleted via an automated process.”

Self-scanning technology for mobile tickets is already in place at the major stadiums in Australia. While it may be expensive for NPL clubs to put this technology in place, it can be integrated quickly.

TicketCo can be integrated into a stadium within two weeks.

David Kenny also believes that the technology is “accessible and affordable to all clubs”.

Convenience and flexibility

Some US colleges have also decided to use mobile only ticketing for their sporting events based on the convenience and flexibility mobile ticketing offers. For the 2020/21 seasons the University of Arkansas and Florida Atlantic University have opted to move to digital ticketing systems.

Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas, Hunter Yurachek said that mobile ticketing options had been successful in previous seasons.

“Whether it is transferring tickets to family or friends, getting the latest update on gameday changes or self-scanning themselves into the event, our fans now can manage their tickets, at their convenience, by utilizing their smart phones,” he said

“No longer do fans need to worry about forgetting tickets at home or in the car. With mobile ticketing, our fans literally have all of the gameday options they need right in the palm of their hand.”

Florida Atlantic University shared a similar sentiment when announcing their move to mobile only ticketing.

“(A) new and convenient way for fans to access tickets to FAU home games directly on their smartphone. Ease and flexibility to transfer tickets to friends and family,” they said.

Live-streaming

The TicketCo platform can also be used to live-stream matches with both pay-per-view and video on demand options for TicketCo TV.

David Kenny said that the live streams can be viewed on Apple TV and Android TV.

“If stadiums remain closed live streaming will become a key issue. And once physical crowds are welcomed back clubs can simply host ‘hybrid events’ by selling tickets to the stadium alongside virtual tickets,” he said.

“Introducing a robust live streaming solution now will be a sound long term investment for football clubs.”

Either by using the TicketCo platform or adapting similar technology into its own My Football Live app the FFA could create a single area where fans would be able to access both live-streams and tickets.

This would make it very straightforward for fans to have their tickets or view live-streams for Socceroos, Matildas, A-League, W-League, NPL and the new National second division matches.

Data

The data from mobile ticketing, can tell organisers who bought tickets, who tickets were transferred to and who actually attended the event. This would be useful to help market the game.

The demographics of attendees could be analysed to give the FFA an specific idea of who their audience is.

With several benefits to mobile only ticketing, digital only tickets could soon become a reality for Australian soccer.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Football Pro Directory Launches as Australia’s New Digital Hub for the Football Industry

As Australian football continues to expand across grassroots, NPL and professional levels, a new platform is aiming to connect the entire ecosystem in one central place.

Football Pro Directory has officially launched as a dedicated online hub designed to bring together clubs, governing bodies, suppliers, service providers and industry professionals from across the Australian football landscape.

Part of the One-Nil Media family, the platform has been built to simplify how football organisations discover trusted partners, access resources and grow meaningful industry connections.

At a time when clubs are navigating increasing operational demands both on and off the pitch, Football Pro Directory provides a streamlined destination for organisations seeking support across areas such as coaching, technology, media, sponsorship, infrastructure, equipment, medical services and fan engagement.

The platform also offers businesses and organisations the opportunity to elevate their visibility within the football industry through premium listings, tailored campaigns and feature-driven storytelling designed to connect directly with decision-makers across the game.

From grassroots clubs searching for operational support to professional organisations looking for specialist services, Football Pro Directory has been positioned as a practical tool built specifically for the realities of modern football administration.

Backed by Soccerscene’s established football media network, the directory combines industry exposure with educational resources and business opportunities, helping organisations strengthen their presence within Australia’s rapidly evolving football ecosystem.

The platform features categories spanning football clubs, professional services, football technology, media and marketing, photography, medical providers and equipment suppliers, alongside resources focused on grants, facilities, coaching, sponsorship and industry innovation.

As football increasingly embraces digital transformation and interconnected industry networks, Football Pro Directory arrives as a platform designed to make collaboration, visibility and growth more accessible across every level of the game.

To explore the platform or list your organisation, visit Football Pro Directory.

Como 1907 and Connectome unite to enhance cognitive analysis

Last month, the Lombardy-based club announced the start of a new partnership with Connectome, a neurotechnology company now looking to apply their work to Serie A’s most exciting project.

Cognitive and physical performance

Through this innovative alliance at the heart of a rapidly rising football project, players will benefit from enhanced study and understanding of their own cognitive performance.

Repeated brain measurements will allow staff to analyse how players respond to different playing scenarios – from the training pitch to matchday.

“We already measure the physical and tactical aspects of performance at a very high level,” explained Como 1907 CTO, Mo Dabbah, via Connectome’s official website.

“The real opportunity now is in better understanding cognitive load and decision-making over time.”

Furthermore, Dabbah continued to highlight that cognitive analysis is essential to achieving high levels of performance in sport.

“Brain health isn’t a ‘nice to have’, it’s fundamental to how players develop, adapt, and perform and it’s an area we’re excited to explore more deeply.”

 

Transferring data to development

Connectome’s work helps athletes and organisations competing at high levels of sport, ensuring recovery, duty of care and preparation are all at the forefront of operations.

Moreover, through a longitudinal approach to collecting data, Connectome strives to create unique, individual profiles for each athlete. Thus, changes or variations are judged against each individual’s baseline, not group averages or one-off tests.

But beyond the technological innovation, is the genuine intent and vision to maximise player performance at Como 1907.

Como 1907 is a club leading by example not just in Italy, but across Europe for unique business models, commercial growth and strategic partnerships. An alliance with Connectome is yet more proof that the club thinks not just about the 90 minutes on the pitch, but the hours spent on long-term player recovery and development.

Both parties align perfectly in values and vision. Player wellbeing, team growth, and technological advancement are the foundations of this partnership.

Como 1907 is a club pushing the future into today’s football landscape, making Connectome a natural partner to bring that vision to life.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend