Southampton have entered into a first-of-its-kind partnership with payments company Barclaycard, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/. Under the deal, Saints become the first soccer club globally to offer fans exclusive, club-branded bPay bands, Barclaycard's new wearable contactless payment device.
Fans using the wrist-worn device to make payments will have access to exclusive loyalty offers, special experiences and prize draws, according to a statement released on Monday.
Fitted with a contactless payment chip, Barclaycard's bPay band enables wearers to make purchases of up to £20 using funds from any UK debit or credit card.
Barclaycard says its vision is to eventually combine the device's payment functionality with stadium access, negating the need for fans to arrive at games with wallets and season tickets.
Saints fans attending matches at St Mary's Stadium with a bPay band will be able to use 'contactless bPay lanes' to avoid queues at bars and food outlets inside the ground. Season ticket holders will also have access to special offers on hospitality, memorabilia and other experiences.
"Southampton Football club is very excited to be the first football club to partner with Barclaycard's bPay band," said Jochen Hartmann, Saints' director of commercial operations.
"This partnership hopefully clearly demonstrates our commitment both to driving innovation through every part of our football club, but also to providing the best experience for our fans, on match days and beyond."
