Our 2013 NFL Tech Series provides a quick hit of tech insight on all 32 NFL teams up until kickoff of Week 1 of the regular season. Each feature includes the latest tech advances implemented by the organization in the effort to advance the team’s success… in a wide variety of venues. Stadium experience, fan engagement, mobile technologies, player performance and health, statistical data gathering and analysis… any and all aspects of the organization’s procedures in the effort to find success in the NFL is on the table. We’re uncovering those efforts, investigating those innovations and pondering the benefit they might provide, for the team, players and fans alike… today and looking forward.
Today’s focus is on the Kansas City Chiefs, a team reloading on the field and turning their attention to their fans and future of technological ticketing.
In 2010, the Kansas City Chiefs and Arrowhead stadium went under a major renovation that gave the 41-year-old building much needed help. It’s square footage was increased by 40%, opening up 3,000 more seats, and expanded the stadium for the press. Two high definition video boards were installed over the long standing endzone displays and approximately 1,600 feet of digital ribbon were installed across the stadium.
Fast forward three years and you have a team that has turned their attention to fan engagement and loyalty.
The Kansas City chiefs rewarded their fans this off season by acquiring what they believe to be a championship quarterback (Alex Smith) and paired him with a championship coach (Andy Reid). Fans now have another reason to cheer this summer.
ChiefsKingdomPass.com
New for 2013, the team has introduced ChiefsKingdomPass.com, a season ticket holder website dedicated to bring quality and exclusive content and benefits for Chiefs fans. On the site, fans can do everything from sell and transfer tickets to interact with the team’s social media channels. Through the website, fans will be able to earn points through social engagement, attending training camp, or even showing up early to the game.
According to the website,“ChiefsKingdomPass.com serves as your gateway to all of your season ticket holder exclusive benefits. It’s where you can manage your tickets, receive exclusive content, and redeem points for unique experiences and view discount offerings at concession stands.”
Along with the website comes the Chief Kingdom Pass Card, a continuation of the teams ticketless technology. This card can be used in stadium to receive discounts, but also doubles as a way to earn points just for being a fan. This is a unique combination that has marked the organization as pioneers.
In a press release regarding the launch of the new website, Chiefs President Mark Donovan said,
We are always looking for ways to engage and reward the passionate fan base that we enjoy here in the Chiefs Kingdom. The Chiefs Kingdom Pass is the first Season Ticket Holder program in the National Football League to provide a fully-integrated experience incorporating ticketless technology, exclusive content and a rewards program. We are looking forward to Season Ticket Holders taking full advantage of the Chiefs Kingdom Pass.
Right now, this service is reserved for season ticket holders, but may one day expand into the general fan base.
Mobile App
The backbone of any team’s social media success and fan integration of services is the mobile app.
There has been much made this offseason about upgrades to many teams’ mobile apps, and the Chiefs seem to be keeping up with their rivals.
By surfing through the easy to use interface, there is high functionality that goes beyond rosters and stats. Fans can now find out where the closest bathroom and concession stand is with just a few clicks. It will even help you find your car. This highly personal and useful tool has made going to the game an entirely different experience.