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SAN JOSE SHARKS Revolutionizing Fan Engagement, Loyalty & Commerce

The San Jose Sharks have taken a pioneering approach to fan engagement by using Everi’s Venuetize solution to integrate a robust mobile wallet and digital commerce solution within their mobile app. This partnership, now several years strong, showcases the evolution of the Sharks’ mobile payments platform, transforming it into a critical component of both business operations and fan engagement.

The Challenge

With consumer behavior now favoring seamless, mobile-first experiences, the Sharks aimed to implement a solution for their fans that would streamline mobile payments, deliver personalized rewards, and integrate loyalty programs across their properties, including SAP Center, Sharks Ice, and Tech CU Arena. The goal was not only to enhance the fan experience but also to drive revenue and operational efficiency.

The Venuetize Solution

Central to the Sharks’ strategy is the Venuetize Mobile Wallet, a component of the Everi BeOn Platform, which integrates payments, loyalty programs, and season ticket holder benefits into a unified experience.

Key features of the Venuetize solution include:
  • Robust Mobile Commerce System: A fully integrated digital wallet that powers payments for food and beverage, merchandise, and in-seat delivery.
  • Teal Tokens for Fan Engagement: The Sharks introduced a digital currency, Teal Tokens, which rewards fans with a % back on any dollar spent using the wallet.
  • Integrated Technology Ecosystem: The Venuetize Mobile Wallet ensured smooth integration across multiple technologies, creating a unified platform that enhances the fan experience while supporting backend operations like ticketing, concessions, marketing, and corporate partnerships.
  • Omnichannel Experience: Fans can utilize the wallet across the Sharks’ properties, from SAP Center to their online retail store, allowing them to earn and redeem rewards at any touchpoint.

Results

Since implementing the Mobile Wallet, the Sharks have seen impressive growth across multiple areas:

  • Transaction Growth: Year-over-year growth rates of 329% from 2020-2021 to 2021-2022, 362% from 2021-2022 to 2022-2023, with consistent growth into the 2023-2024 season. Total transaction value facilitated has exceeded $4.8 million, with 171k total transactions.
  • Revenue Impact: Nearly $2 million in transaction value was processed across card payments and loaded value in each of the last two years, reflecting a 20x growth from year one.

Teal Tokens Success: Teal Tokens have become a key driver of fan engagement, rewarding users for purchases and incentivizing early season ticket renewals. This has led to an increase in wallet adoption and fan satisfaction, with fans often prioritizing benefits to utilize the currency across all business touchpoints.

The Sharks’ partnership with Everi’s Venuetize solution highlights the transformative power of a well-executed mobile wallet strategy. By continuously evolving their mobile strategy, the Sharks have created a robust, omnichannel solution that not only enhances fan engagement but also drives meaningful business results. As the Sharks continue to push boundaries, they remain poised to deliver even more unforgettable experiences to their fans.