Oldest Racecourse in the World Adopts Latest NFC Ticketing Technology

Chester Race Company, the owner of the world’s oldest racecourse still in operation, has adopted NFC-based ticketing technology. Chester is the first major sports venue in the UK to adopt an end-to-end solution that HID provides. 

Leveraging HID’s Event Management Platform (EMP) and Janam’s XT3 handheld scanners, the organization has revolutionized its guest admissions process. They now offer a seamless and efficient entry experience at Chester Racecourse. 

Founded in 1539 during the reign of King Henry VIII, Chester Racecourse holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest operational racecourse.

Operated by Chester Race Company, the venue welcomes more than 200,000 guests annually to its 15-race season, including the renowned Boodles May Festival, which features the Chester Cup. The company also manages Bangor-on-Dee and Musselburgh racecourses, alongside catering, hospitality, hotel and recruitment businesses. 

“Admissions are our first touch point with our guests on a race day, so delivering an excellent customer experience is critical,” says Gareth Simpson, head of racecourse operations at Chester Race Company.

“By adopting HID’s NFC ticketing technology, we’ve transformed the entry process, offering guests the ease of smartphone-based tickets in their Apple or Google Wallets. It’s just like downloading a mobile boarding pass for an airline flight.”

Chester Racecourse’s new system streamlines the ticketing process from purchase to entry. Guests now receive encrypted e-tickets within seconds, downloadable directly to their smartphones, along with guidance about dress code, race program and directions. On race day, reminders appear on guests’ devices as they approach the venue, further enhancing convenience. 

Key to the implementation is the purchase of 45 Janam XT3 rugged mobile computers, which enable offline ticket validation for continuity of service. This is important as the racecourse is in a low-lying area in Chester where the mobile signal strength is poor.

To support the NFC ticketing solution, Chester Race Company has made significant financial investments to upgrade its network infrastructure Chester now deploys Wi-Fi 7 access points along with new routers, switches and 10-gigabit Ethernet connections.  

“We’ve addressed all our entrance issues,” adds Simpson. “From faster entry to real-time visibility of guest attendance, HID’s solution has been transformational.”

Looking ahead, Chester Race Company plans to expand NFC ticketing across its portfolio, as well as loyalty program integration.

“We’re the oldest racecourse in the world using leading-edge technology,” concludes Simpson. “HID’s solutions are enabling us to create modern, memorable experiences for our guests by streamlining admissions totally using a tool that everyone has in their pocket – a smartphone.”