HID has announced that Chester Race Company, home of the world’s oldest operational racecourse, has adopted NFC-based ticketing technology — making it the first major sports venue in the UK to deploy an end-to-end solution supplied by HID.
This innovative move leverages HID’s Event Management Platform (EMP) alongside Janam’s rugged XT3 handheld scanners to revolutionise guest admissions, delivering a seamless and efficient entry experience at Chester Racecourse.
Founded in 1539 during King Henry VIII’s reign, Chester Racecourse holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest active racecourse. Managed by Chester Race Company, it hosts over 200,000 visitors each year across its 15-race season, including the notable Boodles May Festival featuring the Chester Cup. The organisation also oversees Bangor-on-Dee and Musselburgh racecourses, along with a diverse portfolio of catering, hospitality, hotel, and recruitment businesses.
“Admissions are our first touch point with guests on race day, so delivering excellent service is critical. By adopting HID’s NFC ticketing, we’ve transformed the entry process, allowing guests to use smartphone-based tickets stored in Apple or Google Wallets — similar to downloading a mobile boarding pass for a flight,” said Gareth Simpson, Head of Racecourse Operations at Chester Race Company.
The new system streamlines the entire ticketing process, from purchase to entry. Guests receive encrypted e-tickets within seconds, which they can download directly to their smartphones. These tickets include helpful information such as dress code, race programme, and directions. As visitors approach the venue, reminders and updates appear on their devices, further enhancing convenience and engagement.
A key element of the implementation is the deployment of 45 Janam XT3 rugged mobile computers, which enable offline ticket validation — a crucial feature given Chester’s location in a low-lying area with poor mobile signal. Preloaded ticket data on each device allows for swift, accurate access without relying on Wi-Fi or mobile networks, reducing congestion and wait times during busy periods. The XT3 units, capable of scanning in low-light conditions, significantly improve throughput with scan times under a second.
To support the NFC ticketing system, Chester Race Company invested in network upgrades, including Wi-Fi 7 access points, new routers, switches, and 10-gigabit Ethernet connections, ensuring robust connectivity across the venue.
HID’s EMP seamlessly integrates with SeatGeek’s ticketing platform via a bespoke API, enabling real-time updates of ticket sales and access control — eliminating previous manual processes.
“We’ve addressed all our entrance issues. From faster entry and real-time attendance visibility to enhanced capacity management, HID’s solution has been transformational,” said Simpson.
Beyond streamlining admissions, the NFC system provides accurate data on guest numbers, location within enclosures and stands, and capacity compliance, supporting upcoming legislation such as Martyn’s Law. Additionally, it reduces ticket fraud by preventing barcode sharing or resale by touts.
Looking ahead, Chester Race Company plans to expand NFC ticketing across its entire portfolio and explore additional features within HID’s EMP, such as staff and contractor accreditation management and loyalty programme integration.
“We’re the oldest racecourse in the world to adopt such cutting-edge technology,” said Simpson. “HID’s solutions enable us to create modern, memorable experiences for our guests by simplifying admissions through a tool everyone has — a smartphone.”
