The NHL ice hockey league has signed a 10-year extension deal with Ticketmaster, which will include the implementation of the ticketing firm’s Presence and SafeTix technologies.
Under the agreement, all NHL arenas in the 2020 season will leverage Ticketmaster Presence, its digital ticketing and access control platform.
Through this rollout, the new SafeTix enhancement to Presence will be utilised for NHL fans next year. The identity-based product provides ticket-holders with a unique and identifiable mobile barcode that automatically refreshes every few seconds.
This process of encrypted barcodes is designed to combat fraud as it means people cannot screenshot or copy the barcode data. The tickets also include NFC technology that will allow fans to enter venues through a simple ‘tap-and-go’ experience at venue entrances.
The deal will see Ticketmaster expand its role in ticketing-related aspects of event planning and execution for marquee events including the NHL Winter Classic, NHL All-Star Weekend, and the NHL Stadium Series, among others.
According to the league, the 2018 and 2019 NHL All-Star Games saw 85 per cent and 88 per cent of fans entering the arenas using mobile tickets.
“Ticketmaster is very proud of our longstanding partnership with the NHL,” said Jared Smith, Ticketmaster president. “The NHL has a strong history of being first in line to use the latest and most innovative technologies available.
“Now all of our NHL club partners will be able to implement Presence and SafeTix next season, further reducing ticketing fraud and giving teams greater insights to help them forge even stronger relationships with their fans.”
The Live Nation-owned giant will continue as the official ticketing partner of the NHL and 26 of the clubs.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said: “Through our partnership we look forward to using Ticketmaster’s state-of-the-art ticketing and venue-access technology which will continue to serve NHL fans well in arenas around the League.”
SafeTix is also set to be deployed across the NFL American football league this year.
Image: Keith Allison
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