Author Topic: Your card is your ticket to the game  (Read 22932 times)

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Offline CALSGR8

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #25: August 18, 2012, 09:48:14 AM »
What about games you swap out?  Are They printed?

I'm guessing you could always print them out from your account and hand them out that way.


Offline Baseball is Life

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #26: August 19, 2012, 08:41:50 AM »
What about games you swap out?  Are They printed?

I'm guessing you could always print them out from your account and hand them out that way.



Yep. Games you swap out, rain checks, etc., will be reflected in your online My Nationals account and you could then transfer them or print them.

The concept is a good one if they execute it well. But it will be a challenge for people who are not computer or internet savvy.

Online blue911

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #27: August 19, 2012, 08:53:28 AM »
Yep. Games you swap out, rain checks, etc., will be reflected in your online My Nationals account and you could then transfer them or print them.

The concept is a good one if they executive it well. But it will be a challenge for people who are not computer or internet savvy.



No, the challenge will be the Nationals ability to walk those customers through the process. Will they hire/train additional staff to handle the increase it calls that are sure to arise due to the new system. People can be computer literate and internet savvy and still not be able to successfully use a new software program. The onus is on ownership not the patrons. 

Offline miller10

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #28: August 19, 2012, 11:47:14 AM »
They better allow you to select multiple games to forward to a sharing partner.  I would hate to have to send 40 individual emails for half a season.

Offline Mathguy

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #29: August 19, 2012, 02:09:30 PM »
MDS expressed some negative karma toward some portions of WNFF and decided to take a sabatical.  Who knows - he may reincarnate into a new member of WNFF.  Keep your eye on any new Marlin fans

Speaking of gangsta, where's MDS? Did he get banned or something while I've been kind of busy the last week or so?


Offline CALSGR8

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #30: August 19, 2012, 02:18:17 PM »
MDS expressed some negative karma toward some portions of WNFF and decided to take a sabatical.  Who knows - he may reincarnate into a new member of WNFF.  Keep your eye on any new Marlin fans



Awwww mann!   Hope to run into him at the park along with Mrs. Morse!!!

Offline Baseball is Life

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #31: August 19, 2012, 06:24:24 PM »

No, the challenge will be the Nationals ability to walk those customers through the process. Will they hire/train additional staff to handle the increase it calls that are sure to arise due to the new system. People can be computer literate and internet savvy and still not be able to successfully use a new software program. The onus is on ownership not the patrons. 


Yes, they will need more staffing to walk people through it. That's why people who think it will save the Nats money because of less printing and mailing costs might be missing the big picture. (And thing about all the programmers that have to work on this.)

But I was talking about people who don't even have computers. Yes, they're still out there? How are they going to work with those people.

Offline Baseball is Life

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #32: August 19, 2012, 06:28:38 PM »
MDS expressed some negative karma toward some portions of WNFF and decided to take a sabatical.  Who knows - he may reincarnate into a new member of WNFF.  Keep your eye on any new Marlin fans



Yeah, MDS was beginning to lose it. A break was needed. I hope he comes back though. Yes, I know could be the only one who does.:~)

Offline RL04

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #33: August 20, 2012, 05:47:26 PM »
Just to clarify, since I'm not a STH but am considering doing so for next year ...

I've never had an "official" printed ticket in my NATS life.
I order online now, log into my account and print the PDF version of the tickets on my own printer.

So, under the new system, I will get a "card" and will show/scan the card at the turnstile.

If I can't or don't want to go to a game, I can print the tickets myself to that specific game and sell them on STUBHUB.

Correct?

Offline Baseball is Life

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #34: August 20, 2012, 09:04:35 PM »
Just to clarify, since I'm not a STH but am considering doing so for next year ...

I've never had an "official" printed ticket in my NATS life.
I order online now, log into my account and print the PDF version of the tickets on my own printer.

So, under the new system, I will get a "card" and will show/scan the card at the turnstile.

If I can't or don't want to go to a game, I can print the tickets myself to that specific game and sell them on STUBHUB.

Correct?


Yes. All correct.

Offline Obed_Marsh

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #35: August 21, 2012, 12:19:33 AM »
Yes. All correct.

As far as we know, to the extent that they have described it to date but subject to change.

Offline 1995hoo

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #36: August 21, 2012, 01:13:08 PM »
Arsenal have used "ticket cards" for several years and apparently the reviews have been positive. From what I've read, they're even stricter in that they don't allow you to print out a paper ticket to use in lieu of the card.

You may need to budget the cost of reprinting tickets into the cost of season-ticket sharing. (We had a Caps partner last year who didn't pay his share in a timely fashion and so I reprinted all those games to hold the tickets hostage. He had to pay me the reprinting cost in order to get them back.)

Offline shoeshineboy

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #37: August 21, 2012, 01:28:23 PM »
This is a good idea and going in the right direction. Everything about the current process is so antiquated from a technology perpective. It just shouldn't be as cumbersome as it is to trade, exchange, transfer, and cash in RCR points. All of the mail ins, in person droppoffs, etc. are assbackwards. The transfer system and the stub hub resales probably work the best, but it is still a bit hokie. The RCR and exchanges are ridiculously complicated. Just give me an account with points and give me a seating chart with all available seats and allow me to select what I want in real time - deduct the points and trade automatically.

Offline RL04

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #38: August 21, 2012, 01:52:31 PM »
Yes. All correct.

As far as we know, to the extent that they have described it to date but subject to change.


Great, thanks guys.

Offline beerandyams

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #39: August 21, 2012, 05:47:16 PM »

If I can't or don't want to go to a game, I can print the tickets myself to that specific game and sell them on STUBHUB.

Correct?


Well with some NBA teams using paperless tickets that isn't the case. Season ticket holders can't even print the tickets out, only transfer them to someone else's card, credit card, or ID. There isn't even anything to print out if you are using the tickets yourself.

And those season ticket holders therefore aren't able to sell on Stubhub, only the team's "official online resale marketplace". Which is fine, unless of course they place a ceiling on the price you sell the tickets for, or even worse a floor (so you don't undercut the box office). This would make it impossible to re-sell less popular games since you wouldn't be able to price them to sell. If the Nationals choose, they'll have a monopoly on ticket resale and can make any rules they want. They'll also be able to charge buyers and/or sellers any kind of fees they want if they are the only resale vehicle available. NBA teams are already doing this.

Now if they choose not to place restrictive rules on resale and transferability (and don't gig buyers or sellers on fees) these won't be issues. But so far I haven't been able to get details and it seems like they don't even know the details yet.

Offline Obed_Marsh

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #40: August 21, 2012, 06:06:01 PM »
They could be utter bastards or they could pass the savings onto the customers. At this point it is more an ink blot test than a known quantity.

I just wish the RFD in my RCR card didn't class with my smart trip card. That is going to be a pain in the ass if it becomes my "ticket".

Offline OldChelsea

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #41: October 01, 2012, 11:45:46 AM »
Wizards this season are going to a season-ticket system similar (I think) to what the Nats will be rolling out next season - information (just received via E-mail): http://www.nba.com/wizards/season-ticket-card-guide

Offline Baseball is Life

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #42: October 01, 2012, 12:12:03 PM »
Wizards this season are going to a season-ticket system similar (I think) to what the Nats will be rolling out next season - information (just received via E-mail): http://www.nba.com/wizards/season-ticket-card-guide

Sounds very similar to what the Nats will be doing. It really is not that big a deal if you're computer literate. I just feel sorry for people who are not and have to deal with this.


Offline OldChelsea

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #43: October 01, 2012, 12:16:26 PM »
Sounds very similar to what the Nats will be doing. It really is not that big a deal if you're computer literate. I just feel sorry for people who are not and have to deal with this.



I'm a Wizards full STH so I'll be getting plenty of practice before the Nats return - doesn't really sound all that involved though.

The real risk, though, is of the card getting degaussed due to being placed in one's wallet next to a credit card or other magnetised medium - I'll probably still use my ticket carriers to prevent this.

I just hope the entering queues don't become like SmarTrip queues on Metrorail/bus....

Offline rbw5t

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #44: October 01, 2012, 12:40:31 PM »
I'm a Wizards full STH so I'll be getting plenty of practice before the Nats return - doesn't really sound all that involved though.

The real risk, though, is of the card getting degaussed due to being placed in one's wallet next to a credit card or other magnetised medium - I'll probably still use my ticket carriers to prevent this.

I just hope the entering queues don't become like SmarTrip queues on Metrorail/bus....

I'm actually a little worried about bottlenecks at the entries under this system.  It says they will print you out a "seat locator tab" when you come in, which they frame as being to tell you where your seat is, but of course is really so the usher has something to check to make sure people are in the right section.  That seems like a potential mess, because now instead of just swiping a ticket and walking in, people going in using a card will need to have the ticket taker print them out something to show the usher.  It's hard to imagine that not slowing down the entry process.

Offline PowerBoater69

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #45: October 01, 2012, 01:07:47 PM »
If the idiot British soccer fans can handle this system without a problem then we can too.

Offline beerandyams

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #46: October 01, 2012, 01:18:09 PM »
Thank God there will be no more "hassle of digging through your ticket book for the correct game". Those were panic-filled hours of my life that I will never get back.

I still don't think paper tickets needed to be fixed.

Offline OldChelsea

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #47: October 03, 2012, 09:09:19 AM »
As a preview of what might be awaiting Nats STH next season, my Wizards STH pack arrived yesterday (sorry I don't have a digital camera so cannot post a picture here) and contains the following:

- Season ticket card with the fixtures coded on, and my name, account number and loyalty status printed on front
- A 'Season Ticket Holder Savings Card'
- A clear ticket carrier into which the ticket card just fits, plus a red lanyard with loyalty status (as in past seasons)
- A Wizards logo pin with my loyalty status [really getting class-conscious these days, aren't they?]
- A couple of ads for Amtrak Acela and for American Express
- A 'Season Ticket Card Guide' with information on how to use the card, print/forward/transfer tickets etc


This change is being implemented at all three Monumental clubs (Capitals, Mystics and Wizards) so I would trust that the new digital packs for Capitals and Mystics STH will be similar, if not identical - and the new Nats packs could well be the same way. If I remember I'll wear the Wizards ticket to this afternoon's match in case anyone wants to see what this looks like.

Offline 114D

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #48: October 10, 2012, 09:10:47 PM »
This Wizards eticket thing is the dumbest idea ever.  It is not going to save any paper and will just be a hassle for all involved, and yes, bottlenecks at the gates.  I assume the only money saved is in fancy printing costs. 

Offline OldChelsea

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Re: Your card is your ticket to the game
« Reply #49: October 11, 2012, 08:36:28 AM »
The Ticket Card makes its official debut tonight at the Wizards pre-season match vs the Knicks (tip-off 19.00 - I may head up there if today's baseball match is another lopsided laugher like yesterday's was). Season ticket holders got the following how-to information in their E-mail yesterday afternoon:

Thank you for your support of the Washington Wizards. We hope to see you at the preseason game tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7PM as the Wizards take on the New York Knicks!

As we look forward to the start of the Wizards season, we wanted to share a few helpful tips for using your Season Ticket Card and your online Wizards Account Manager to prepare for the season!
 
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO GET INTO THE GAME?

Your season ticket seats are automatically loaded onto your blue Season Ticket Card (pictured below; the card should include your name, account number, and loyalty level). Bring this card with you to the game and present it to the Verizon Center staff at the gate. Your card will be swiped and all valid seats for the game will be immediately scanned in as soon as the card is swiped.
 
You'll receive a seat locator tab for each seat (pictured below*) and will be all set to visit any of the concession stands on the concourse or go straight to your seat. Upon arrival at your section, please show the seat locator tab to the Verizon Center usher for assistance.
 
 
I AM NOT COMING TO THE GAME TOGETHER WITH MY GUEST/SEAT-MATE; WHAT DO I DO?

Using your online Wizards Account Manager you can use two convenient options to get your guest his/her ticket(s) to the game. Simply log in to your account using the Account ID found on your blue Season Ticket Card and your Password (if you don't know your password, please reply to this email and we'd be happy to send it to you). Then, click "Manage My Tickets". Use either of these two convenient options to get your guest his/her ticket(s) - all the way up until one minute before game time!:
FORWARD: Click the checkbox next to the seat(s) you want to send your guest. Click "Forward".  On the next screen, enter your guest's email address. Click "Continue". On the next screen, verify the email address, then click "E-mail Tickets". Your work is done! Your guest will receive an email offer for the ticket(s) you sent. Your guest will click "Accept Tickets" from the email, enter his/her information to log into or create a Wizards Online Account, and may choose to print a paper copy of the ticket(s) or assign them to the credit/debit card of their choice (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) to swipe upon arrival, and he/she also has the freedom of having the ticket(s) in his/her name to manage online. Once the ticket(s) are accepted by your guest, only your personal ticket will be on your Season Ticket Card, and you and your guest can now come to the game separately.
PRINT: Click the checkbox next to the seat(s) you want to print for your guest. Click "Print". Read the disclaimer and click "OK". On the next screen, in the "Ticket Options" box, select "Print". On the next screen, click "Download Now". You'll be prompted to either open or save a PDF file to your computer. You can immediately open and print your guest's ticket(s) and give them to him/her in person, via mail, or leave them at the will call window under his/her name when you arrive at Verizon Center. You can also send the saved PDF file over email;  remember, your guest will need to print paper tickets from this PDF file to enter.
 
I LEFT MY CARD AT HOME OR AT WORK - WHAT DO I DO?

If you have access to a printer, use your online Wizards Account Manager to log in and use the PRINT function to print out paper copies of your ticket(s) for the game.
If you don't have access to a printer, you can still get in! Log in to your account, select the "view all quick links" drop box on the left-hand side, and select "view/edit settings". On the next screen, select "Manage my paperless tickets". On the next screen, under the "Manage Paperless Ticket" box, select "Add Paperless Ticket". In the "Select a Paperless Ticket Type", choose "Credit Card". Enter the credit or debit card number for any card you normally keep in your wallet, and click "Save". Return to the main page of your account by clicking "Home". You're now ready to move any seats you have in your account directly to your credit card to swipe for entry at the game!
On the home page, select "Manage My Tickets". Click the checkbox next to the ticket(s) you need to move to your credit card. Click "Paperless". On the next screen, in the "Ticket Options" box, select "Paperless Ticket(s)". In the "Select a card" delivery method drop-down box, choose the credit card you just added to your account, then click the blue "Continue" button. On the next screen, click "Continue". Your ticket(s) have just been transferred to your credit card!
 
If you have any other questions about your Season Ticket Card or your account, please click here to visit the Wizards Digital Ticketing page or contact our Guest Services Department or your Guest Services Specialist directly tomorrow between 9 AM - 3:30 PM. We're happy to help!
We'll also be hosting special Digital Ticketing Orientation sessions tomorrow evening at 6:15 PM and 6:45 PM in the VW Theatre for any season ticket holders interested in learning more about Digital Ticketing and the online Wizards Account Manager. You are welcome to stop by! Take the escalators to the 400 level concourse, bear left on the concourse, and look for the VW Theatre outside of Sections 429-430.
Also, be on the lookout early next week for an email introducing an all-new, Online Unused Ticket Exchange and Online Bonus and Group Night Ticket form, allowing you convenient 24/7 access to exchange unused tickets and select your Bonus and Group Night Ticket benefits!
Thank you for your support of the Washington Wizards and we hope to see you tomorrow night at Verizon Center!

[all bolding, underscoring and colour in original]

*Unable to reproduce it here, but it looks like a small ticket, with a dark blue band across the top with 'ticketmaster' on it, the seat number, whether or not the holder has Acela Club access, and the teams, date and start time.