Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens implementing Pay Pass
22 February, 2005
category: Contactless, Financial
The Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens Football Clubs are incorporating MasterCard(R) PayPass(TM) contactless payment technology into the MBNA Seahawks and MBNA Ravens Extra Points credit card programs. Seahawks and Ravens fans currently benefit by using the no annual fee MBNA card program to accumulate points for every net retail dollar they spend. The program will be functional for the 2005 football season.
With MasterCard PayPass, Seahawks and Ravens fans won’t miss any of the action standing in lines or fumbling for cash. Seahawks and Ravens fans will be able to simply tap their new MBNA Seahawks or MBNA Ravens Extra Points credit card on specially equipped merchant terminals throughout the stadiums when purchasing refreshments or souvenirs.
“The Seattle Seahawks are excited about offering fans an easy-to-use contactless payment solution, in addition to providing rewards,” said Scott Patrick, vice president, Partnership Development, the Seattle Seahawks. “Fans benefit from the added speed and convenience in quickly returning to their seats and enjoying the game.”
“We are thrilled to be offering ardent Ravens fans such a convenient payment and rewards program,” said Dennis Mannion, senior vice president, Business Ventures, the Baltimore Ravens. “In addition to accumulating redeemable points, fans can now benefit from a quick, easy-to-use contactless payment card, enhancing their in-stadium experience.”
“The benefits of MasterCard PayPass extend far beyond a simpler way to pay,” said Robert Cramer, vice president of Partner and Content Integration, MasterCard International. “PayPass provides the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens with a valuable tool for loyal fans to stay connected with their favorite team inside the stadium, as well as everywhere they use their MasterCard card.”
MasterCard PayPass uses radio frequency technology to transmit payment details wirelessly between the PayPass device and the merchant’s terminal. The transaction is then processed through the MasterCard network for clearing and settlement. MasterCard PayPass acceptance is ideal for sports venues and other cash-heavy environments, such as quick serve restaurants, drug stores, and movie theaters, where speed and ease of use are essential.
PayPass-enabled cards, like other traditional MasterCard cards, also include magnetic stripe technology, so cardholders can use the cards anywhere MasterCard is accepted around the world.
Seahawks and Ravens fans currently benefit by using the no annual fee MBNA card program to accumulate points for every net retail dollar they spend. Points can be redeemed toward an incredible range of rewards, including:
- Authentic autographed jerseys, helmets and footballs
- VIP parking, training camp visits and exciting team experiences
- Season tickets and pre-game tours
Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles launched a similar implementation of MasterCard PayPass acceptance at its stadium. MasterCard is continuing to explore further deployments of PayPass at sports arenas throughout 2005, providing sports teams and merchants with the opportunity to offer new payment and reward applications and increase customer loyalty.
To apply for a MBNA Seahawks, Ravens or Eagles Extra Points card, fans can sign up by logging on to www.mbna.com, or by calling MBNA at 1-800-932-2775. Additional information regarding MasterCard PayPass is available at www.paypass.com.
