The Phoenix Suns NBA North American basketball franchise has renewed a partnership with Ticketmaster and announced that it is shifting exclusively to a mobile ticketing model.
The length of the long-term deal has not been disclosed, but Ticketmaster will continue to serve as the official ticketing partner of the Suns, as well as the Phoenix Mercury Women’s NBA team, the NAZ Suns G League development team and Talking Stick Resort Arena.
Fans attending Suns and Mercury home games from now on will access their tickets through smartphones via the teams’ official mobile applications.
According to the Suns, a dedicated team of ‘app advisers’ will be on site at the arena to assist fans.
Ticketmaster’s SafeTix technology, which allows event operators to deliver a unique digital ticket to each fan’s mobile phone through an encrypted barcode that automatically refreshes every few seconds, will be utilised by the Suns.
Suns president and chief executive Jason Rowley stressed that the move to mobile ticketing will enhance fraud-prevention measures.
“The transition exclusively to mobile ticketing ensures that we are providing the safest, most secure and fan-friendly ticket experience, while also expediting access into the arena, so fans can get into their seats and in front of the action,” Rowley said.
“Ticketmaster has been a tremendous partner and we’re excited to continue working with the industry leader to utilise their best-in-class technology to help make it more convenient for fans to buy, sell and share tickets.”
Ticketmaster president Jared Smith added: “By leveraging Ticketmaster Presence and SafeTix to create the best ticketing experience for fans, Suns’ fans will see a more personalised venue experience, secure ticketing, and even easier transfer of tickets to friends and family.”
As part of what the franchise has described as a shift towards a “seamless digital experience”, the mobile ticketing will be complemented by the upcoming launch of a Mobile Wallet at the arena, allowing fans to pay for concessions, merchandise and parking through their smartphones.
Payment options like PayPal will be available via the Mobile Wallet, with the Suns having linked up with the payments provider under a jersey sponsorship deal last year.
The Mercury’s opening tame of the 2019 campaign will take place tonight (Friday) against the Las Vegas Aces. The NBA season will begin for the Suns in October.
Image: Phoenix Suns
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