Maracana launches Smartcards sale over the Internet to streamline and facilitate access

The Maracana, the largest football stadium in Brazil, is launching the Maracana card, a novelty for quick access of the fans. With Smartcard technology, integrated to the SIGA – Imply® Access Management and Ticketing System, fans can purchase tickets in www.maracana.com website, and access the stadium directly with more comfort and agility.

When buying tickets online, the fan can receive the card  for free at the ticket office of the stadium, with the purchase voucher. The exchange will be made only once at the time of acquisition of the Maracana card. In subsequent purchases, tickets will be automatically loaded on the card, and the fans can go directly to the turnstiles of the stadium.

With this facility, the purpose of Maracana is to reduce the queues to purchase tickets in person, and provide the most convenient access to the fans that purchase over the Internet, without the need to stand in long queues to exchange vouchers every game. Until the release of novelty, the Maracana had a demand of 44% of sales over the Internet. According to Marcelo Frazao, Maracana marketing director, the solution will also inhibit the ticket dealers, “you have to trust much to get a card you do not know if it’s loaded” says.

Currently the technology of Imply® SIGA integrates the management of tickets over the internet sales system, 143 points of sale at the box offices, besides the 163 access turnstiles at Maracana Stadium.