technologyreseller.co.uk 31 access points along with new routers, switches and robust 10-gigabit Ethernet connections to the Internet. “We’ve addressed all our entrance issues,” said Simpson. “From faster entry to real-time visibility of guest attendance, HID’s solution has been transformational.” The efficiency and reliability of the NFC-based system has enabled Chester Racecourse to redeploy three of the six IT staff previously needed to resolve issues at admission gates and given it much greater oversight of visitor numbers. It now knows exactly the number of people who have entered (from tickets sold) and in which enclosure and stands they are located, helping it to comply with capacity obligations and prepare for forthcoming legislation such as Martyn’s Law. It also reduces ticket fraud by eliminating barcode sharing or resale by touts. Looking ahead, Chester Race Company plans to expand NFC ticketing across its wider portfolio and explore additional features within HID’s EMP, such as loyalty program integration and accreditation management for staff and contractors. “We’re the oldest racecourse in the world using leading-edge technology,” said Simpson. “HID’s solutions are enabling us to create modern, memorable experiences for our guests by streamlining admissions totally, using a tool that everyone has in their pocket – a smartphone.” www.hidglobal.com to scan on race-days, guests now receive encrypted e-tickets within seconds, downloadable directly to wallets in Apple iOS or Android smartphones. A ‘pop-up’ reminder appears on guests’ phones as they approach the course, with scanners validating tickets in a fraction of a second. This NFC-based solution overcomes several drawbacks of the previous system, including delays and crowding caused by poor mobile signal strength, which could make it difficult for guests to retrieve their tickets; ticket scanners that needed network connectivity for validation, which caused bottlenecks when the course’s wired and WiFi networks became congested; and reliance on manual integration between the SeatGeek ticketing platform and the HID Event Management Platform used for access control. Seamless integration Key components of the new system are a bespoke API integrating HID’s EMP with the SeatGeek ticket sales platform, which automatically updates the access control system with ticket purchases, removing the need for manual synchronisation; and 45 Janam XT3 rugged mobile computers, which can be preloaded with ticket data to provide offline ticket validation. This is an important consideration as the racecourse is in a low-lying area of Chester with poor mobile signal strength. Preloaded ticket data on each device eliminates reliance on Wi-Fi connections, enabling swift and accurate access even during peak times. With a scan time of less than a second, the Janam XT3 units significantly reduce congestion and wait times and, unlike the course’s previous devices, they also work well in poor light conditions. In addition, Chester Race Company has upgraded its network infrastructure to support the NFC ticketing system and eliminate bottlenecks, deploying Wi-Fi 7 Chester Racecourse, the world’s oldest racecourse still in operation, has become the first major sports venue in the UK to adopt an end-toend, smartphone-based Near Field Communication (NFC) ticketing solution provided by HID, the global leader in trusted identity solutions. The combination of HID’s Event Management Platform (EMP) and Janam’s rugged XT3 handheld scanners has revolutionised the admissions process for 200,000 race-goers who visit Chester Racecourse annually. Founded in 1539, during the reign of Henry VIII, Chester Racecourse holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest operational racecourse. In addition to a 15-raceday season, including the renowned Boodles May Festival and Chester Cup, the venue is the largest year‑round conference and events facility in Chester. It is operated by Chester Race Company, which also manages Bangor-onDee and Musselburgh racecourses, as well as diverse catering, hospitality, hotel and recruitment businesses. “Admissions are our first touch point with our guests on a race day, so delivering an excellent customer experience is critical,” said Gareth Simpson, Head of Racecourse Operations at Chester Race Company. “By adopting HID’s NFC ticketing technology, we’ve transformed the entry process, offering guests the ease of smartphone-based tickets in their Apple or Google Wallets. It’s just like downloading a mobile boarding pass for an airline flight.” Chester Racecourse’s new system streamlines the ticketing process, from purchase to entry. Instead of receiving a PDF e-ticket and QR code via email for printing at home or retrieving and displaying on a smartphone for stewards Chester Racecourse transforms raceday experience with NFC ticketing technology and digital wallets Just the ticket SOFTWARE
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