Samsung paves the way for NFC ticketing at music events

The handset maker has teamed up with events promoter Kilimanjaro Live to replace traditional tickets with contactless wristbands that provide access to the events and can be linked to ticket holders’ social media profiles.

Red Hot Chili Peppers
CONTACTLESS: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Samsung Electronics UK has announced it is working with events promoter Kilimanjaro Live and ticketing technology provider Intellitix to replace traditional tickets with RFID wristbands and, in the future, with virtual tickets stored on NFC mobile phones.

The new solution will be used first at a Red Hot Chilli Peppers gig at Knebworth on 23 June and again at the music and wakeboarding festival Wakestock in July.

The wristbands will be read on arrival to validate visitors’ entry and, at the wearer’s discretion, they can also be linked to their social media profiles or used to enter competitions associated with both events.

A Samsung Galaxy Note stand will be in place at both events, where ticket holders will be able to personalise their wristband to check in on Facebook to share their experience with their friends online, upgrade to VIP status by flashing their wristband and sample both the Galaxy Note and the Galaxy S III.

“In future, everyone will be able to use their mobile phone as their ticket, whether they are music fans going to a gig, or a commuters travelling to work,” says Samsung UK’s Simon Stanford. “So we’re excited to be aligning ourselves with that technology and to be bringing a new experience to both our customers and to music fans across the country.”

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