PACIOLAN SELECTED BY CHARLOTTE BOBCATS TO MANAGE TICKETING IN Charlotte Bobcats Arena
Deal to tip-off when new arena opens in fall 2005
Irvine, CA (September 18, 2004)
The Charlotte Bobcats and Paciolan, the leading provider of in-house ticketing solutions, announced the signing of a multi-year partnership today. The Bobcats chose to implement Paciolan to maximize revenue opportunities, control their newly created brand, and create the ultimate fan experience in what will be the NBA’s newest, most technologically advanced arena.
"Paciolan’s ticketing system will make the Charlotte Bobcats Arena one of most fan-friendly and progressive arenas in the live sports and entertainment event industry," said Ed Tapscott, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Charlotte Bobcats. "Ticket buyers to events at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena will reap the benefits of Paciolan's state of the art technology, which allows for great personal service and advanced Internet-based ticketing, while our organization will be better able to track customer trends and needs."
The Bobcats will maintain complete ownership of their fan data through a centralized database including ticket purchase history, demographic data, as well as attendance data to gain a 360-degree view of their fans. Armed with this data, the Bobcats will build life-long fan relationships by tailoring marketing programs consistently across multiple touch-points to the individual needs of their fans.
In addition, the Bobcats will offer fans advanced digital ticketing services, based on Paciolan’s Access Management technology. This will empower fans to instantly receive print-at-home tickets through the Bobcats’ website. Integrated with their core ticketing system, Access Management provides the Bobcats with automated ticket scanning, validation, on-demand attendance reporting, and the ability to formally greet fans as they enter the arena. Access Management also serves as the basis for a completely integrated parking, concessions, merchandise, and ticketing infrastructure providing enhanced value to both fans and the Bobcats.
"The market is shifting away from third-party distributor ticketing solutions to in-house ticketing solutions," said John Hnanicek, CEO of Paciolan. "Paciolan’s integrated solution empowers the Bobcats to optimally interact with their fans by having complete access to their customer data. Strong fan relationships will ultimately lead the Bobcats to profitable long-term revenue growth."
About the Charlotte Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats are the NBA’s 30th franchise and tip off their inaugural regular season at home against the Washington Wizards on Thursday, November 4. The Bobcats will play the 2004-05 season at the Charlotte Coliseum before moving to the Charlotte Bobcats Arena beginning with the 2005-06 NBA season. The Charlotte Sting of the Women's National Basketball Association are closing out their eighth season in the WNBA, and will play the 2005 summer season at the Charlotte Coliseum before moving to the Charlotte Bobcats Arena in the summer of 2006. C-SET (Carolinas Sports Entertainment Television) is a new 24-hour regional cable sports network serving both North and South Carolina, and will launch on air in mid-October of 2004. The Bobcats will also manage the Charlotte Bobcats Arena which is set to open in the fall of 2005.
About Paciolan
Founded in 1980, Paciolan is a leading ticketing enabler, providing ticketing, fundraising and marketing technology solutions for top venues across North America. Paciolan provides a wholly integrated infrastructure that puts venues in direct control of their customer relationships, brands and revenue potential. Primary markets include performing arts, college athletics, professional sports, museums, and arenas. Collectively, Paciolan clients sell over 100 million tickets annually representing approximately 25% of all live event tickets sold in the US. Paciolan is a privately held corporation based in Irvine, California.
Bobcats Editorial Contact
Scott Leightman
704.424.4126
Director of PR
sleightman@bobcatsbasketball.com
Paciolan Editorial Contact
Shaw Taylor
949.476.1212
Marketing Director
staylor@paciolan.com
