Argentinian football club begin implanting fans with season ticket microchips
An Argentinian football club has adopted an outlandish marketing ploy with their season ticket holders by implanting them with microchips under their skin.
Club Atletico Tigre, based in greater Buenos Aires, has launched a ‘Passion Ticket’ for its most diehard fans.
The ‘ticket’ is not so much a ticket as a microchip which is inserted under the skin and allows users entry into the stadium without the need for identification or a traditional season ticket.
The first division side’s supporters are renowned for their passion and pride which can be summed up in their amorous chant called ‘I carry you inside me!’
Playing on this loyalty Club Atletico Tigre launched a bold marketing approach, promising that “Carrying the club inside you won’t just be a metaphor anymore!”
Ahora, podés llevar a tu club adentro...De verdad ! pic.twitter.com/ojfAt1jZrq
— Club Atlético Tigre (@catigreoficial) April 25, 2016
The club’s general secretary, Ezequiel Rocino, launched the initiative by having one of the microchips, similar to those used on dogs and cats, implanted in his arm, under his tattoo of the club.
Discussing the move Rocino highlighted that the club was “not doing anything invasive, just accelerating access. There’s no GPS tracker, just the member’s data.”
The club added: “The scanner will read the data on the implanted chip, and if the club member is up-to-date on his payments, will immediately open the security turnstile.”