Swipe card trial starts on Saturday

May 7 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

SAINTS bosses are to give a new swipe card scheme a trial run on Saturday as fans arrive for the SPL clash with Motherwell.

All supporters entering the Family Stand – also known as the South Stand – at St Mirren Park will have their tickets scanned by a computer before they gain admission.

And, if the pilot scheme proves to be a success, the Buddies plan to introduce the swipe card system to all home sections of the stadium next season.

Brian Caldwell, St Mirren’s general manager, said: “Fans entering the South Stand for the Motherwell game will have their tickets scanned and a green light will then be displayed to show that they can gain access.

“We hope to introduce this swipe card scheme more widely next season as it should enable fans to get into the stadium much more easily.

“The scheme has proved successful at a number of other clubs up and down the country and we are looking to bring it in here. It’s all about having a more professional approach.

“We’ll be putting the scheme on trial for this Saturday’s game with Motherwell. Fans will show their tickets as normal and they will be swiped accordingly.”

Season tickets holders are expected to enjoy some advantages if the scheme gets the go-ahead for the 2009/10 campaign.

Instead of having to collect or receive briefs for St Mirren games that are not covered by their season ticket, fans will be able to go online at www.smfctickets.co.uk or call the club on 0141 840 4100 to pay for tickets for specific games.

That purchase will then be automatically registered to the supporter’s swipe card so that, when they go along to the game, they will be able to gain entry as normal.

Non-season ticket holders will be able to buy tickets for games through the usual channels and these will be scanned on the day of the match to ensure validity.

Other clubs to introduce similar swipe card schemes for their supporters in recent years include Old Firm giants Celtic and Rangers.