BT teaming up with Everton

EVERTON have linked up with telecoms giant BT to launch a fans’ loyalty card that doubles as their new season ticket.

The swipe card will give fans turn-stile access and collect points for a range of high street retail partners.

BT will gather and examine data from the card and other partners include Teamcard, which has a pedigree in football and SkiData which specialises in organising Alpine ski lift access.

Everton deputy chief executive Robert Elstone, said: “This is BT’s first foray into this area.” The club will deliver local partners for the loyalty scheme and BT will provide high street retailers.

“They will be well known names where our fans spend on ar egular basis, like supermarkets or petrol stations,” he added.

“The high street partners will offer our fans ag ood deal for using the loyalty card.”

He added: “The business drivers behind it are safer and quicker access to the stadium, cost savings from turnstile operators and stewarding and it minim-ises ticketing abuse. We are confident of making savings.”

About 40,000 cards will be sent to season ticket holders and shareholders first and the scheme will be extended later.

“It is advantageous for us to have as many cards in issue,” said Mr Elstone.

Cards will be sent out from the end of July and will be tested in a pre-season friendly match.

“The loyalty starts as soon as the fan gets the card in their hands,” said Mr Elstone.

Meanwhile, the club Megastore will close over the bank holiday for a refit linked to the three-year partnership with sportchain JJB which is taking over Everton’s retail operations.

Mr Elstone said: “We are looking to partner with experts in other fields. JJB is providing us with guaranteed profit and growth from retail.”