Paperless Ticketing: Are Arizona Cardinals Fans On Board?

This is an interesting topic that was brought up to me via email on Wednesday from the Fan Freedom Project. I had not heard of it, but the points that were brought up I felt were definitely worthy of discussion. I myself am not a season ticket holder of the Arizona Cardinals, but that is mainly because of the day of the week almost all games are played. But if you are one who does have season tickets or might in the future, the latest piece of technology meant to provide you with greater security perhaps is more restrictive than we would like

Apparently, last week the San Francisco 49ers introduced new paperless ticketing, which eliminates the risk of losing your tickets for whatever reason (wife reorganizing the house, the kid wanting something color on, the dog eating them or just losing them or having them stolen. Additionally, it reduces our "carbon footprint" as paperless ticketing means less paper and waste.

How it works is that "when you buy a ticket, it is tied directly to your credit card and your photo ID," which two things you will need to get into the event. Seems pretty harmless, right?

The point that the FFP wishes to bring up is that without a paper ticket, it makes it very difficult to have someone else go in your place. It perhaps could restrict people splitting a season, the ability to sell your ticket if you wish or simply if you cannot go and know someone or some people who would like to.

What is uncertain is how easy it would be to transfer a ticket and it there would be a charge.

Currently, the Niners say that transfers will be free, but that does not stop the ticketing agency like Ticketmaster.

For those purchasing single game tickets, these tend to be less of an issue, but the same issues could apply.

I for one am always glad to see technology making things more efficient. I cannot tell you the irrational fear I have of heading for the game and forgetting my tickets. Before leaving, I always triple check my wallet or pocket for the tickets that I honestly know I already put there. A paperless system would just allow me to leave with the stuff I normally leave with.

I think that it is a great thing as long as managing the tickets is easy. Perhaps the ability to print a transferred ticket online would solve the problem and allow the person we wish to attend in our place to not have the hassle of cards and IDs. But then again, I don't really ever sell or give away my tickets.

So the question is to you all in the community. Would you like to go to a paperless ticket system? Do you see it as restrictive? Would it deter you from buying tickets? Hammer away at the comments and discuss it.