/Revitalizing Fan Engagement: The Success of Chile’s National Fan Registry

As I gear up for the upcoming Coliseum Global Sports Venue Alliance US Summit, I'm excited to share a remarkable case study that exemplifies the transformative power of identity verification and facial authentication technology in enhancing fan engagement and experience. This week, I delve into the innovative strides made in Chilean football, revolutionizing the way fans interact with their favorite sport. Welcome to this edition of Fan Friday.

Check it here!: https://registrodelhincha.cl/

National Fan Registry: The Return of Families to Chilean Stadiums

The National Professional Football Association (ANFP) in Chile oversees the country’s football clubs and has grappled with ensuring safe and enjoyable match experiences. Stadiums, traditionally bustling with families and enthusiastic fans, saw reduced attendance due to safety concerns. This decline not only impacted revenue but also eroded trust among fans, international bodies, and the security entity Estadio Seguro. However, the implementation of the National Fan Registry (Registro Nacional de Hinchas, RNH) has brought about a remarkable turnaround, driven by Veridas' facial authentication technology.

Challenges

• Economic losses for clubs and the ANFP
• Decreased trust from fans and international bodies
• Increased costs for heightened security
• Ineffective control systems failing to deter criminal activities

The pressing need was to restore the stadiums as secure and welcoming venues for fans of all ages. This is where the National Fan Registry, powered by facial authentication, came into play.

Opportunities for the ANFP

• Eradicating Violence and Ensuring Safety: The National Fan Registry (RNH) enhances security at matches by utilizing facial authentication to verify identities. This technology ensures that only authorized individuals gain access, significantly reducing the risk of violence.

• Attracting New Investments: By modernizing fan management through the RNH, the ANFP has improved fan connections and attracted new investments, furthering advancements in both security and technology.

• Preventing Fraud and Punishing the Violent: The RNH ensures a safe environment by verifying the RUC/RUT (Taxpayer Unique Role) during ticket purchases and stadium access. This verification reduces fraud and facilitates tracking and sanctioning of violent fans.

The Success Story: Immediate Impacts of the National Fan Registry

The implementation of the National Fan Registry in Chile, supported by Veridas technology, has yielded impressive results:

• 70,000 Registrations in One Week: The overwhelming response reflects fans’ trust and willingness to engage with the new system.
• Sub-10 Second Identity Verification: Quick and efficient verification ensures a smooth entry process.
• 100 Accesses per Minute: High throughput capabilities demonstrate the systems efficiency.
• Zero Tailgating Attempts: Enhanced security measures have effectively eliminated unauthorized entries.

The enrollment process

The success of the RNH hinges on its seamless and user-friendly enrollment process:

• Registration: Fans can register from any device, securely verifying their identity by uploading a picture of their ID and a selfie. Seamless and easy.
• Ticket Purchase and Verification: The system automatically checks registration status during ticket purchase, offering discounts for pre-registered users.
• Authorization: The RUC/RUT number (ID number) is used to verify whether an individual is authorized to attend the event.
• Stadium Access: On match day, fans enter through facial recognition terminals without the need for physical IDs or tickets.

These steps ensure that each ticket is linked to a verified identity, enhancing both security and convenience.

Case Study Reflection: A New Era for Chilean Football

The introduction of the National Fan Registry in Chile represents a significant leap forward in stadium security and fan engagement. The ability to quickly and accurately verify identities has restored trust among fans, encouraged family attendance, and revitalized the football community.

Pablo Milad, President of the ANFP, remarked:

“What will be checked is that the person is registered. When they buy the ticket, they will be sent to a digital site where they will say if they are registered or not, which will condition the ticket purchase.”

This approach ensures that only registered fans can purchase tickets, creating a safer and more organized environment. The elimination of ticket resale also guarantees a fair experience for both fans and organizers.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Innovation

As I prepare to share these insights at the Coliseum Summit, I invite you to consider how similar innovations can be applied in your venues. The success seen in Chile can serve as a blueprint for enhancing fan engagement and security in stadiums across the United States.

Facial authentication technology is more than a security measure; it’s a means to create a more connected and enjoyable experience for fans. By embracing this technology, we as fans can usher in a new era of stadium experiences that prioritize safety, convenience, and fan satisfaction.