Atlético de Madrid has become the first club in Spain’s LaLiga to implement NFC technology for stadium entry. Fans can now download their tickets onto their iOS or Android devices’ wallet applications, enabling contactless access to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium. This innovation was first utilized during the Copa del Rey match against Getafe CF. More about Atlético de Madrid NFC ticketing find out below.

Developed in collaboration with LaLiga and Sportian, this advancement aims to streamline the entry process for supporters. Previously, in April 2024, the club introduced digital membership cards compatible with mobile wallets, which were well-received by fans. With the latest update, Atlético de Madrid now offers various ticketing options, including physical cards, digital season tickets with QR codes, PDF tickets, and tickets accessible via mobile wallets.

“With this final technological step, our latest update ‘Contactless’ includes the entire entry-ticket and season ticket circuit for the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, from the moment of purchase until entry to the stadium through the Wallet application iOS or Android.

“This technology has been developed in conjunction with LaLiga and Sportian and represents an important step in creating an easier and quicker way for fans to access the stadium when they visit Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

“Last April, the club already created the opportunity for fans to digitally add their membership card to their Wallet on iOS and Android. This improvement in access has been widely accepted by all fans.

“With this final development, the club completes the ticketing and season-ticket process from purchase to access of the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, through the Wallet application on iOS and Android and becomes the first club in LaLiga to offer all forms of ticket and season ticket: physical card, digital season ticket with the App QR code, physical ticket, PDF ticket on mobile (vertical), Season Ticket Wallet and Ticket Wallet.”

Atlético de Madrid NFC ticketing leads a New Era of Fan Experience in Spain

Atlético de Madrid’s adoption of NFC ticketing marks a major milestone in modernizing stadium access, aligning with global trends in contactless technology. By integrating this system, the club enhances security, reduces fraud, and improves efficiency at entry points, ensuring a smoother experience for fans.

Atlético de Madrid is not alone in embracing NFC ticketing. Other top clubs worldwide have also adopted this technology to enhance fan experiences. For example, Bayern Munich was one of the first European clubs to implement NFC-enabled mobile tickets, streamlining entry and improving security at Allianz Arena. In the Premier League, Arsenal and Manchester City have introduced similar systems, allowing fans to use their smartphones for easy, contactless entry to their respective stadiums. Additionally, in North America, the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers introduced a digital ticketing platform at Levi’s Stadium, enabling smooth stadium access and reducing physical ticket handling. These global examples highlight the growing trend of digital innovation in sports, making NFC ticketing the standard for modern fan engagement across the world.

As NFC technology gains traction, other LaLiga clubs and major European teams will likely follow suit, making mobile-based ticketing the new standard. Atlético de Madrid’s move reinforces its commitment to digital innovation, providing supporters with a seamless matchday experience while setting a precedent for other clubs to modernize their stadium access systems.