Mobile network operator Orange has conducted an NFC trial at the Stade de France, the country’s national stadium.

The trial took place on Saturday 5 May for a Top 14 rugby match between Racing Métro 92 and Stade Français Paris and was designed to explore the added value services that could be offered to NFC phone users by venue owners.

Participants were able to reserve their place at the match, as well as a parking place if required, via Stade de France’s mobile app. Their ticket was then loaded onto their NFC mobile phone so that, on the day, they could use their NFC phone to:

• Receive directions from the parking area to the entrance, and then find their car again once the match was over
• Gain entry to the stadium by swiping their mobile phone, using an e-ticket stored in their SIM card
• Find their seat in the stands
• Take part in exclusive activities, including voting for their favorite team and taking part in a quiz and a prize draw
• Receive key facts and statistics about the match

“The M-Stadium project clearly shows the added value brought by contactless mobile services within a stadium by simplifying and improving the spectator experience,” says Thierry Millet, Orange’s VP for mobile payments and contactless services. “We are delighted that the Stade de France has played a prominent role in working with us to implement the system.”

Next: Visit the NFCW Expo to find new suppliers and solutions