How Digital Scratchcards Could Boost Fan Engagement at UK Football Stadiums

Football stadiums used to function mainly thanks to local fanbases, whose loyalty would never be questioned. Now, though, there’s also a market for general football fans who want to check out different grounds regardless of who plays in them.

With UK football grounds now attracting international visitors looking for the best experience, they arguably need to do more to boost engagement and give visitors a memorable day out. One way to do this could be by offering digital scratchcards where people can win random rewards on match days.

Scratchcards Have Already Appeared at Football Grounds

Some grounds across the UK have already experimented with scratchcards in the past, giving fans an additional activity to enjoy on top of the action on the pitch. For example, Wolverhampton Wanderers have run them on matchdays around Molineux Stadium. They give fans the chance to win prizes while also raising money for club initiatives, meaning that fans can give back to the club in a way that could also benefit them.

St Mirren have done this as well with physical scratchcards sold at home matches. Fans could purchase £1 cards that offered the chance to win cash prizes or signed shirts, and the idea was met with positivity from those in the stadium. There were plenty of prizes on offer too, meaning a lot of people got something out of the cards.

The Concept Has Adapted to Digital Updates Well

Up to now, clubs in the country have experimented with scratchcards in physical form, but they haven’t leaned heavily enough into the idea of offering digital versions. The technology wasn’t there in the past, but now that most people have smartphones, it makes sense to offer promotions in digital form.

There has been a recent rise in interest around digital scratchcards as well, with many online casinos now offering them in their instant win sections. They work in the same way as physical scratchcards, with players able to virtually remove the top layer and see the symbols underneath. They come in different themes too, with options like Magic Fruits and 9 Coins to choose from.

With many people now used to using online scratchcards, it’s easy to imagine supporters getting on board with them in stadiums. There could be QR codes dotted around the stands, enabling people to scan and purchase scratchcards for the chance to win prizes.

The Matchday Experience Opportunity

If stadiums start to introduce scratchcards, it could enable them to try numerous methods to enhance the matchday experience. As well as having draws for cash prizes, there could be chances to win smaller prizes such as free pies or drinks. There could even be merchandise offers at the club shop or seat upgrades in the stadium.

Digital scratchcards would be easy to implement in UK stadiums, and could do wonders for improving the matchday experience. If clubs start to offer these with the chance for varied rewards, they could encourage more fans from far and wide to visit the stadiums and keep coming back.