As Liverpool FC expects to welcome a full crowd back to Anfield next season, the club is already working on some changes to matchdays. The Reds have made all their tickets digital starting the new campaign.

Digital tickets only

Ticketless technology is becoming a common solution within the European football. Such a trend has lots of advantages both for fans, clubs and, what is often underlined, for the environment. Liverpool FC has just announced that it will follow such a direction too.

Before the new season, the Anfield club will be introducing a number of new initiatives focused on improving its ticketing processes and fans’ experience. When implemented, it makes ticketing more fan-friendly and secure. The most important change means that only mobile tickets will be used for the stadium entry.

© Sławomir Nosal

The club will also introduce a special program that will allow season ticket holders and official members to share their game tickets. All supporters will be able to transfer their tickets to the group of, previously registered, friends and family. It refers to all home Premier League and cup games next season, and will be limited to 20 people.

Stadium access with NFC technology

In the coming season, NFC (Near Field Communication) technology will be used at Anfield. As safe stadium access will remain the priority, the tickets will then be available in digital form on a smartphone only. 

© Liverpool FC

Mobile access control technology that supports NFC is the technology behind the ticketing evolution. It allows supporters to securely and conveniently enter sports stadiums using their smartphones. At the same time, apps and smart devices will be used for a range of various on site services, such as pre-match betting, purchasing food and drinks at vending machines.

Premier League clubs are now preparing to have fans return in accordance with the government's reopening timetable. Following the UK government announcing that more COVID-19 restrictions are lifted from May 17, the final two PL matchweeks (May 18-19 and May 23) will see fans return to stadiums.

The plan assumes a gradual reopening and allows to host up to 10,000 people or 25% of the total seating capacity - whichever is lower - to be allowed in outdoor venues. The Premier League also confirmed that full stadiums are the aim from the start of the 2021/22 season in September.

Author: Karol Tatar

© Ian Johnson