Suncorp, Metricon stadiums get NCR loaded ticket offerings

Payment systems provider, NCR, has begun a rollout of a loaded ticket offering around the country with Suncorp and Metricon stadiums in Queensland signing on. The system allows fans to preload their match tickets or membership cards with money to be used to buy merchandise, food or drinks.

Vendors at the 52,500 capacity Suncorp venue will simply scan a barcode on the event ticket. According to Suncorp Stadium general manager Alan Graham, the loaded tickets remove the need for fans to use credit cards or pay with cash.

“Not only do loaded tickets reduce queue times and increase the speed of service, it’s also a reward for the loyal members of the clubs that play their home games at the stadium,” Graham said in a statement.

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Suncorp Stadium will work with the Brisbane Broncos NRL side, the Queensland Reds rugby union team and Brisbane Roar soccer club to offer loaded tickets to their respective members by 2013.

According to NCR Australia's general manager of hospitality, Nick Wagnitz, the loaded tickets are integrated into the venue’s existing NCR Venue Manager, which gives the stadium real-time sales information from every one of the 280 NCR point-of-sale (POS) terminals in its 24 food and beverage outlets and 32 public bars.

“NCR Venue Manager enables the stadium to accurately report, analyse and forecast sales, which helps reduce wastage and keep costs down,” he said.

Metricon

Over at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, the loaded ticket system, referred to as `PrePlay’ by stadium staff, will allow fans to purchase food and drink throughout the 27,500 capacity arena.

“As the 2013 AFL premiership season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing more of the game as Metricon Stadium and its food service provider, Michael O’Brien Catering, deliver a more enjoyable stadium experience,” said Wagnitz.

On October 24 2012, VenuesWest announced that it had chosen NCR to provide its venue management system for the new Perth Arena.

The 15,500-seat Perth Arena will open on 10 November this year with 65 NCR touch-screen POS terminals installed throughout the facility’s general concession and VIP locations. The venue is also using mobile NCR units running on high-speed wireless for concessions from seats and in corporate and VIP suites.

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