Doncaster Knights has replaced manual ticket checks at Castle Park with an automated access control system that validates QR codes and barcodes at two turnstiles. The installation combines Suprema X-Station 2 readers and the CLUe platform with the club’s Future Ticketing system, aiming to reduce entry delays and provide staff with real-time attendance information.
Automated ticket validation at Castle Park
Previously, staff used handheld scanners to check tickets individually, a process the club said was slow and increased operating costs. Doncaster Knights wanted to speed up entry, improve the fan experience and accurately count stadium visitors, while retaining its existing ticketing platform and avoiding large-scale changes or upgrades.
The Future Ticketing application gives stadium staff an up-to-date count of entries
Under the new setup, fans receive a unique QR code or barcode when they buy tickets online. Suprema’s X-Station 2 scans each code, and a valid ticket triggers the turnstile to unlock. Invalid or duplicate tickets are rejected, with staff able to respond to issues such as a duplicated ticket or direct the customer to the ticket office.
The Future Ticketing application gives stadium staff an up-to-date count of entries. Security teams can also monitor access remotely and respond to suspicious activity or operational issues.
Access control and operational benefits
Automated scanning is intended to reduce queues during busy periods and make matchday entry more straightforward. Replacing individual manual checks may also lower staffing needs and operating costs. Live ticket validation and entry data can support crowd management and help prevent unauthorized access using fake or duplicate tickets.
Doncaster Knights plays in the RFU Championship, the second tier of English rugby. Founded in 1875 as Doncaster RFC, the club adopted the Knights name in 2006. Its home ground, Castle Park, is a 22-acre site with capacity for up to 5,000 spectators, as well as conference and function facilities.
The access control system can be expanded to additional turnstiles or venues. The installation is also designed to allow for potential future integration with RFID, NFC or facial recognition technology.
Doncaster Knights are a professional rugby union club based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. They play in the RFU Championship, the second tier of English rugby. The club was originally founded in 1875 as Doncaster RFC and rebranded to Doncaster Knights in 2006.
The Knights are known for their impressive record of promotions, having achieved eight promotions in fifteen seasons. They play their home games at Castle Park, a 22-acre site that features state-of-the-art facilities and can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. Castle Park is not only a rugby venue but also a top conference and function center in Doncaster.
Increased operational costs
THE CHALLENGE - The customer relied on a manual entry system using handheld ticket scanners to check each ticket individually. This process was slow and inefficient, leading to delays and increased operational costs. They wanted a system that enhanced fan experience, gave an accurate count of people entering the ground and something easy to manage with their existing ticketing platform, without the need for large scale changes & upgrades.
THE SOLUTION - To modernise Doncaster Knights' access control and ticketing system, OLS integrated Suprema’s X-Station 2 and CLUe platform with the Future Ticketing system to provide a seamless, efficient, and secure entry solution. This upgrade replaced the club’s manual handheld ticket scanning process with two automated turnstiles featuring QR code and barcode scanning technology.
Barcode scanning technology
Seamless Ticket Validation:
- Fans purchase tickets online through the club, generating a unique QR code or barcode for each entry.
- At the stadium, Suprema’s X-Station 2 scans these codes within milliseconds, eliminating manual verification delays.
Automated Entry via Turnstiles:
- When a valid ticket is scanned, the turnstile unlocks, allowing a quick and controlled entry.
- If an invalid or duplicate ticket is scanned, access is denied, preventing unauthorized entry. Together with providing a response to the customer, attend ticket office, duplicated ticket etc.
Real-Time Monitoring & Data Collection:
- The Future Ticketing application provides stadium staff with real-time entry tracking, offering an instant and accurate count of attendees.
- Security teams can monitor entries remotely, enhancing stadium oversight and allowing swift responses to suspicious activity or operational issues.
Key benefits
- Enhanced Fan Experience - Supporters enter the stadium faster, reducing queues and eliminating frustration at peak times.
- The automated system allows for a more streamlined, contactless, and hassle-free matchday experience.
- Increased Operational Efficiency - Eliminating the need for manual ticket scanning reduces staffing requirements and operational costs.
- Improved Security & Fraud Prevention - Real-time validation of tickets minimizes ticket fraud, including duplicate or fake entries.
- Security teams can receive live data updates, allowing for better crowd control and event safety management.
- Scalability & Future-Proofing - The system is designed to support future upgrades, including integration with RFID/NFC/Facial recognition technology for contactless ticketing.
- Doncaster Knights now have a scalable solution that can expand to more turnstiles or different venues as needed.
