Keywords
Citation
(2000), "Coventry City fans are first to use hi-tech "electronic wallets", Facilities, Vol. 18 No. 13/14. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2000.06918mab.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
Coventry City fans are first to use hi-tech "electronic wallets"
Keywords Smart cards, Payment systems
Fans at Coventry City football club are the first UK supporters able to pay for their half-time beer and pies with smart cards instead of cash, using a system which could also be introduced at other UK football grounds and sports arenas.
GiroVend Ltd, one of Europe's leading cashless payment systems providers, in partnership with Lindley Catering, who provide catering at 26 football clubs in England and Scotland, is trialling a range of cash-free transaction facilities for food and drinks at Coventry's Highfield Road ground. Supporters can avoid long queues by using GiroVend's pre-paid cards to buy match-day refreshments, including balti pies, hamburgers, hot dogs and beers.
At Coventry City, more than 27,000 contact-chip smart cards, pre-loaded with values of up to £10, are available for use in the East Mall. The cards also have the potential to be used by the football club for a range of additional purposes. Such applications include photo ID, security and access control, use in other club sales outlets, club membership, ticketing and transport to and from the ground.
"The system makes life easier for everybody concerned, with greater speed, efficiency and security. We've been impressed with the ease of installation, operational management and the detail of the reporting facility, as well as the way the customers have accepted this revolutionary system", says Paul Crowton, managing director of Lindley Catering Investments Ltd.
Blackett Ditchburn, chief executive officer of GiroVend, says: "This is the first such system to be installed at a British football club. There is great long-term potential at Coventry City and at other sports stadiums. GiroVend is bringing its extensive experience in cashless systems for other industries. We hope to install further systems within this market sector."
For further information contact Julie Drummond. Tel: +44 (0)1628 539000.