The payment card requires just a momentary 'tap' to use, in place of a ticket and cash and coins and will replace the standard season ticket currently issued to supporters. Approximately 3,500 season ticket holders in the North Stand Level 2 have been chosen to take part in the trial, which will last until the end of the season during which time bars and stands in that area will accept Tap&Go™ payments for purchases under £10.
This will dramatically reduce queuing (for entry and refreshments) and increase security, with fans not needing to carry money on their person. The card is hoped to revolutionise entry and small value purchases at sporting and other events across Europe, as has been achieved in the US.
The PayPass pilot with go live at next Sunday’s game between MCFC and Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Duncan Martin, Head of Retail at Manchester City Football Club, said: “Once again Manchester City Football Club is leading the way on innovative solutions for improving the matchday experience for supporters. This technology allows Manchester City supporters to access the stadium electronically and make purchases under £10 quickly, all by using just one card. This will help reduce queuing time and allow supporters to get into their seats for the game.”
Brendan Jones, Product Executive at MBNA, said: “MBNA is delighted to work with our partner, Manchester City, to help deliver the first stadium contactless prepaid card in Europe. These cards are used in stadiums throughout the US and we are delighted to be the first issuer to introduce them into the UK market.”
John Bushby, General Manager, MasterCard Northern Europe, commented: “In a European first, a single piece of plastic will enable football fans to gain access to and make payments at their home ground. A tap of your MasterCard PayPass card takes less than a second and our extensive experience in US stadiums has already shown the time and cost efficiencies this technology can bring to both fans and onsite retailers, in terms of the speed, convenience and safety of contactless payments, compared to cash.”
