E-Tickets Arrive At The BallparkE-Tickets Arrive At The Ballpark

Electronic tickets have become the norm on airlines, but Thursday they touched down at a new venue: the ballpark.

During a game Thursday, the San Francisco Giants used a new electronic system that allows suite holders to distribute tickets via E-mail, and their guests to gain entrance to the ballpark with nothing more than a driver's license or credit card.

Pacific Bell Park has eight suites, with between 12 and 20 seats in each. Until now, the administrator of each one would get tickets before each home game, look up the addresses of the guests being invited, and overnight them tickets. Now, using a system from Justarrive Inc., a Web address is sent to attendees via E-mail, guests log on and enter a credit card or driver's license number, and then simply slide the card through a special gate at the park to gain admission.

The Giants were introduced to Justarrive, a San Francisco neighbor, about two years ago, and became interested in the product after watching its success in the collegiate market, says founder Dan Levy. Giants CIO Bill Schlough says the team will try out the technology through the 2001 season in an effort to improve service to its high-end customers.