Feature
FSM
Debunking Biometric Myths & Emphasising Benefits Biometric technology, despite its advancements, often finds itself shrouded in myths and misconceptions. One of the most prevalent concerns revolves around privacy and data protection. However, as demonstrated by La Liga's implementation, these systems are designed with privacy at their core.
The biometric access system, as adopted by Osasuna, is fully compliant with stringent regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other European standards. This ensures that fans' data is not only securely managed but also
protected from potential breaches. The technology's Technology
La Liga's Pioneering Biometric Approach has
been a game-changer in football. From
introducing VAR to leveraging big data for player analytics, the sport has embraced innovation at every turn. One of the most recent groundbreaking advancements has been in enhancing the fan experience, particularly in stadium access.
Last April marked a significant milestone in this journey. Osasuna, a historical club in La Liga, became the first to introduce biometric facial access to its stadium, completely transforming the traditional way fans accessed football arenas.
El Sadar, Osasuna’s stadium, installed eight fast-track entrances, allowing fans to enter just by scanning their facial biometrics. This voluntary system, like express lanes on motorways, offers a more comfortable and secure way of accessing the stadium. The results were staggering: the new method allowed 40 fans to enter per minute, a rate previously unheard of in football stadiums.
Fans who opted for this biometric access, don’t need to carry any physical or digital season tickets. They simply need to approach the facial recognition reader at the turnstiles and enter without any additional screening. The registration for this system is equally straightforward, requiring just a scan of the ID card, the season ticket, and a selfie. Since this implementation at El Sadar, there has been a 5-fold increase in the number of people entering through the facial recognition turnstiles, demonstrating that more fans are opting for this streamlined and convenient verification method, with thousands of them doing it every weekend.
This innovation didn't just enhance the fan experience; it also garnered international attention. Osasuna's forward-thinking approach earned them a nomination for the prestigious StadiumBusiness awards2
in the Technology category, a testament
to their leadership and innovation in stadium management. It’s also inspiring other sports organisations in Spain to implement similar methods. Currently, more than 35 Spanish sports entities3 offer facial recognition access to their members.
The biometric system provides a more secure method of identification, reducing the risk of fraudulent entries. With facial recognition, the chances of ticket duplication or theft are virtually eliminated. Biometric access ensures a swift, hassle- free entry, enhancing the overall matchday experience for fans. Biometrics-driven access control systems can also help stadiums to effectively comply with fan stand regulations. Across different football leagues, there are certain laws in place to prevent any violence, racism, xenophobia and acts of intolerance from the fans. These regulations are significant, as there are increasing cases of racism and violence from the terraces, often guided towards players and teams. Football is an emotional sport, but such acts can disrupt the beauty, harmony, and safety of the game. Implementing biometric systems at stadiums can allow clubs to effectively comply with these safety regulations, and accurately identify and authenticate who is entering the stadium.
The Premier League, with its global stature and influence, has always been at the forefront of football innovation, and it’s high time they also emphasise safety, comfort, and compliance for fans
through biometric technology. La Liga's successful
implementation serves as a beacon, highlighting the potential benefits and the transformative impact of this technology on stadium management.
In conclusion, it’s time for the Premier League to take a leaf out of La Liga's book. By embracing biometric access, not only can they enhance security but also significantly elevate the fan experience, making matchdays more memorable and seamless. For clubs, stakeholders, and decision-makers within the Premier League, the message is clear: the future of stadium access is here, and it's time to step into it.
1:
https://apnews.com/article/arsenal-delay-turnstiles-tickets-5a37f0afe4020aad37d3e54dc0ad1ca4
2:
https://www.stadiumbusinesssummit.com/winners-of-thestadiumbusiness-awards-2022-announced/ 3:
https://veridas.com/en/en-sports-entities-access-facial-recognition-members/
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commitment to “privacy by default and design” is a testament to its robustness in safeguarding user information. At the same time, it’s a voluntary system, meaning that fans can still choose to go through the traditional route of stadium entrance, if they don’t prefer biometric verification.
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