Secondary ticket marketplace StubHub has rolled out a new mobile ticketing app for iPhones and Android devices that will allow fans to have their cell phones scanned at the gate in order to gain entry.
The first team to utilize the technology is the San Francisco Giants, which will begin scanning those barcoded tickets at AT&T Park today, August 25, for a series against the Houston Astros. In 2009, the Giants were also the first team to introduce dynamic ticket pricing, which calls for the team to increase or decrease ticket prices on-the-fly depending on the opponent, weather conditions, injured players, etc.
Fans can buy their tickets either through the app or on StubHub.com and have their ticket converted for scanning. In addition, a fan can email a mobile ticket to a friend, but currently that is only available to iPhone users; an Android version of that feature is coming soon.
“We’re excited to roll out this new functionality on our mobile application platform today, as fans can now view any electronic ticket they have purchased on StubHub and essentially scan in if the venue has the scanners to do so,” Joellen Ferrer, StubHub spokesperson, told TicketNews. The company is planning to roll out the technology to other teams and venues in the coming months.
StubHub introduced its first mobile app in the summer of 2010, but that iPhone and iPod Touch app was essentially an extension of the company’s Web site and only allowed purchases. After a mobile device is scanned, the gate attendant will give the fan a small paper print out with the section, row and seat number so they can find their location.
“The Giants have always been at the forefront of ticketing and is the first team to partner with us,” Ferrer added. “Fans on-the-go now have a safer and more convenient way to purchase tickets to sold out Giants games. We plan to roll this out to other teams in the coming months and to continue building our mobile core to enhance the ticket buying experience for fans.”
