This is the first time we’ve seen NFC technology deployed at entertainment venues where a single, secure ID can be used for multiple events.
Baltimore-based ticketing service, MissionTix (http://www.MissionTix.com) today announced the use of reusable, rewearable ticketing wristbands that offer an alternative means of entry for ticket buyers at participating venues.
MissionTix’s rewearable wristbands each contain a unique Near Field Communication (NFC) chip. When a customer buys a ticket for a participating venue through MissionTix.com, instead of them choosing print-at-home, or mailed hard tickets, they'll be able to fill-up their wristband and wear it to the venue where it is scanned and authenticated.
“We’ve used this technology before but it was in a wristband that was cut off and discarded afterwards,” explains Joe Loverde, owner of Mission Tix. “We loved the idea and saw the potential for both venues and concertgoers. That’s when we started researching reusable options.”
The wristbands can be purchased for a one-time nominal fee through MissionTix.com and are tear- and water-resistant, providing a long duration of wear. Ticket buyers wear the stylish and comfortable wristband to the venue where it is validated with the use of an NFC Reader. MissionTix is working with Skycore LLC and their codeREADr app for their wristbands.
“This is the first time we’ve seen NFC technology deployed at entertainment venues where a single, secure ID can be used for multiple events. We see this technology evolving into other value-add services, including stored value within the venue or with local merchants,” said Rich Eicher, CEO of Skycore LLC.
Tickets for the Bejing Olympics and for theme parks across the country have already been using the similar Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. NFC is a subset of RFID that limits the range of communication between the chip and the reader and acts like a personal, ‘electronic barcode’ where the transaction ID is stored in a way that cannot be copied or faked, unlike visual barcodes.
MissionTix’s partners that have signed on to use the NFC wristbands thus far include the Recher Theatre and Ottobar.
“Our wristband is now an option for small- and medium-size events and venues, whereas previously, only festivals and larger events and venues had considered this as a viable ticket solution. And even in those instances, they have been using wristbands that are typically cut-off and thrown away,” said Loverde. “Now events and venues of all sizes can utilize this fashionable option. The reusable and rewearable wristbands at even its basic level means a faster and more secure check-in process. But there are far more advantages, such as using it as a wallet for event attendees purchasing food, beverages or merchandise, that can be applied."
“MissionTix is staying ahead of the technology curve by offering NFC wristbands right now,” said Eicher. “In a few years virtually every smartphone will be NFC-enabled with tickets securely stored within the device itself. That will be the ultimate convenience for consumers and venues.”
MissionTix is the first to deploy Skycore LLC’s transaction redemption platform with NFC technology.
MissionTix, a Baltimore-based online ticketing service, has catered to promoters, venues, non-profits and festivals since 2001 offering lower service fees, marketing strategy and support, and personalized customer service. MissionTix services include: online and traditional ticketing; assigned seating; mobile support; box-office software; fan club ticketing; Facebook integrated ticket purchasing; group sales portals; social sharing; and in-house web design and marketing by the award-winning advertising and creative agency Mission Media. For more information on MissionTix, visit http://www.missiontix.com or find us on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/MissionTix. For more information on how MissionTix can help your organization sell tickets online, visit http://sell.missiontix.com.
