A new electronic ticketing system for BOV Premier League and U*BET FA Trophy matches is being introduced as from today.
This was announced by MFA Chief Executive Officer Bjorn Vassallo to the media yesterday. This system, very similar to what other overseas stadia have, does not only eliminate abuse but ensures security, quicker entrance to the stadium and more accountability.
All spectators attending Premier League matches as from this evening will buy their tickets from the normal booths for now, but they will be handed an electronic ticket with a bar code, which they will have to scan before walking into the stadium through the turnstile.
The scanning machines will show a green light which indicates that all is clear and within eight seconds, spectators have to go through the turnstiles.
MFA personnel will be available for assistance at the various stadium entrances to assist and guide spectators. Information scrollers at the stadium entrances have been installed.
Although during the few coming months tickets will still be available from ticket booths on match days, in the near future tickets will be eventually available from pre-sellers, days before the match.
This electronic system will also be in place at Victor Tedesco Stadium and Hibs Stadium, although no scanning devices have as yet been installed at the latter venue and electronic tickets will be checked manually prior to spectators going through the turnstiles.
The entrance prices for Premier League and Trophy matches have remained the same - €6 for adults and €4 for Karta Anzjan holders. Children under 12 years will now have to pay €1 for them to have a ticket issued and thus access to the stadium through the turnstiles.
This system was only one of many innovations going on at the National Stadium with the MFA’s main aim to upgrade the systems and facilities in view of new challenges and opportunities.
Electronic cards will soon be introduced for the various stadia VIP area and season-ticket holders. Electronic cards will be colour coded. The blue card includes all access. The blue and white entitles holders access to the VIP area only for matches of that particular club. Orange electronic card holders will have access to all the season’s matches in the stands while the white card allows holders to watch a particular team’s matches throughout the season from the stands.
Among other innovations, highlighted by Bjorn Vassallo during an almost one-hour presentation, is the rebuilding of the Millenium Stand with new seats, the refurbishment of the main stand, embellishment of the stand’s façade, new fencing around the pitch as well as the new LED system and a bigger electronic scoreboard, already in use.
Dressing rooms at Ta’ Qali have been upgraded and a new doping control office is under construction. Modern media facilities, with new flash interview area and a new press conference room are very close to completion.
The VIP tribune has been enhanced to cater for the president’s lounge, clubs’ lounges, bar and restaurant and an inviting reception area.
Security at the Stadium has also been given its fair share of attention. Moats at the West Stand, a closed circuit TV, a police depot, and an adequate traffic management system are envisaged.
Meanwhile capacity at the Victor Tedeco Stadium in Hamrun, presently also under refurbishment, has been increased to 2000 spectators, divided into three sections.