Arsenal became the latest in a number of football clubs to implement Fortress GB's smartcard scheme when they introduced it in time for their match against Newcastle Utd in August.
About 5,000 season ticket holders seated in Highbury's North Bank took part in a trial scheme, which will run throughout the 2005/06 season.
Each of them has been issued with a Fortress RFID smartcard, allowing them to enter the ground just by placing the card against readers that have been installed at specially allocated turnstiles.
This not only gives them quicker stadium access and a better customer service available right near the turnstiles, but also access to interactive kiosks near the turnstiles, where they can obtain seating information and details of the club's latest promotions.
Arsenal itself benefits from improved security, on-line fan entry information on an individual basis as well as efficiencies related to ticket office operations and card issuing.
Following the success of the trial run, a full installation of the new system will be completed in time for the 2006/07 season.
It is also planned to pre-load Fortress smartcards with a complete set of applications, offering the fans the ability to make in-stadium purchases and collect loyalty points.
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