The Irish Football Association has decided to renew its partnership with Ticketmaster following an assessment that included input from fans across Northern Ireland.
The new agreement is said to cover several improvements in user experience, including easier methods of ticket transfer and the introduction of potential ticket resale opportunities.
The Irish FA states that the partnership has been instrumental in the past in providing Northern Ireland fans with access to tickets for major international competitions. An assessment of ticket providers was conducted by the governing body in collaboration with the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with Ticketmaster, a company known for its innovation and dedication to delivering unparalleled ticketing support for fans,” said Graham Fitzgerald, chief operating officer at the Irish FA.
“Together we have created a platform that not only simplifies ticket purchasing but also contributes to the overall ease of stadium entry and matchday operation, giving all of our stakeholders a more enjoyable event experience.”
The collaboration will also see other initiatives become available, such as near field technology enabling tap and go entry at turnstiles.
This is aimed at resulting in faster entry to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.
Ticketmaster is also expected to provide the Irish FA with insights and data analytics to help optimise ticketing strategies, which is aimed at contributing to the growth and sustainability of football in Northern Ireland.
“We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Irish Football Association and the team look forward to delivering our SafeTix technology – the next generation of digital ticketing set to elevate the fan experience at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park,” said Ticketmaster managing director Keith English.
The deal follows another recent renewal for Ticketmaster after the company signed a multi-year partnership with the European League of Football. The deal with the American football organisation is due to run until 2029 after almost 800,000 tickets were sold in the 2022 and 2023 seasons via Ticketmaster.