Wembley Stadium is becoming the U.K.’s first sports and entertainment stadium to offer contactless ticketing to fans thanks to a partnership with mobile phone network EE, according to the venue.
This partnership will allow fans to add their tickets to Apple Wallet on iPhones or Apple Watches. In addition to contactless tickets, fans will be able to use their iPhones and Apple Watches to pay for food and beverage via Apple Pay.
The technology was went through a number of tests at England’s soccer friendlies against Germany and Brazil, and after those successful trials earlier this month, it will be rolled out for all ticketed events at the stadium in 2018 and beyond. Customers purchasing tickets for the March 27 match against between England and Italy can choose “electronic delivery” to have the option of storing their tickets in their Apple Wallet.
“We’re delighted that Wembley Stadium is one of the first global venues to work alongside Fortress GB and Apple to bring this technology to fans, and we are committed to providing this technology across our ticketing platform for all events in 2018, onwards,” Paul Smyth, Head of Ticketing at The FA, said in a statement. “The innovation strengthens our aspiration to be the digital leader in supporter entry, establishing greater one-to-one contact with the consumer and making it easier and safer for all.”
