Here's how the system works:
A fan presents either the credit card used to buy the ticket or a driver's license at the gate, where it is scanned by an attendant.
The fan then receives a receipt-like printout that lists seat location and any other arena information, eliminating the need for a paper ticket. Both teams would have the ability to feature a coupon or offer on the printout or team news, such as welcoming a new player.
Comcast-Spectacor representatives traveled to Cleveland recently to see the system in action.
"It is very interesting," Spectacor president and COO Peter Luukko said. "We like it and it makes sense. It is something that we are exploring."
The system was in place for floor seats at last night's Bruce Springsteen concert at the Spectrum, and Miley Cyrus' tour used the system this year.
One issue holding up implementation at the Wachovia Center is that this paperless system doesn't yet have the ability to record power tickets - those used to purchase food, beverages and merchandise - on a driver's license or credit card.
The Flyers and Sixers each spend about $85,000 per season printing tickets, but Luukko insists this wouldn't be a cost-cutting measure.
"Saving money is not the real reason for doing something like this," Luukko said. "It's more for customer convenience to allow people to swipe a card and walk in vs. having to carry tickets with them."
Officials at Comcast-Spectacor, which also owns the in-house ticketing company, New Era Tickets, think the paperless ticket system could be a valuable marketing tool.
"The whole platform ties into marketing," Luukko added. "We would want it to be a real marketing tool that collects data so that we know who is at games and how to better serve them."
