FC Porto Launches Comprehensive Digital Ticketing Reform Ahead of 2025/26 Season.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: FC Porto

FC Porto has unveiled a significant digital transformation of its ticketing infrastructure, streamlining all ticket-related operations into a single, club-owned platform. Set to take effect in the 2025/26 season, the initiative reflects a growing trend in European football: leveraging technology to improve fan experience, data transparency, and operational efficiency.

The new platform will centralize ticketing across all sports, categories, and venues associated with the club — including Estádio do Dragão and Dragão Arena — delivering a more seamless and accessible process for fans and members.

Key Innovations in Fan Access and Digital Management

• Installment Payment for Season Tickets

For the first time, FC Porto supporters will be able to pay for their season tickets in four interest-free installments. This approach aims to ease financial pressure on families and expand access to annual memberships.

• Seat Resale & Fan Credit

Season ticket holders unable to attend specific matches can now release their seats. If resold, they receive compensation in the form of FC Porto credit, usable toward future tickets or club products.

• Online Seat Changes & Upgrades

Changes to seat locations — whether upgrades or swaps — can now be completed online. The feature reduces wait times and provides greater flexibility to fans, allowing them to adjust based on availability, even post-purchase.

A Unified Fan Account System FC Porto Ticketing

• Single Point of Entry: FC Porto Digital Account

All fans, whether members or not, must register a FC Porto Digital Account to manage transactions, ticket transfers, and access new digital tools. This account becomes the foundation for all interactions with the club’s digital ecosystem.

• Nominal Ticketing for All Matches

Tickets for every match — across every venue — will now be nominal. This allows FC Porto to enhance data accuracy, better understand audience segments, and ensure compliance with fan protection regulations.

• Introducing the ‘Cartão de Acessos’

A new Access Card, integrated into digital wallets, will serve as a dynamic pass for stadium entry. Automatically updated after each transaction, it complements the traditional membership card but adds features like match alerts, transaction records, and attendance tracking.

Operational Benefits and Strategic Goals

According to FC Porto, this change is not merely digital — it’s strategic. The club expects the reform to:

• Improve CRM and data governance

• Strengthen fan engagement via personalization

• Enhance security and operational control

• Prepare the club for broader B2C and B2B commercial integrations

  
  

With increased transparency and flexibility, the club is positioning itself for stronger monetization and long-term digital growth, echoing similar strategies adopted by clubs like FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Phased Rollout and Member Support

While the transition is expected to bring long-term benefits, the club acknowledges potential early-stage disruptions. FC Porto has strengthened its support teams and will deploy additional staff at Estádio do Dragão on matchdays to assist fans in navigating the new system.

The rollout will be gradual, and the physical membership card remains valid for the upcoming season. Additionally, the traditional rules around season ticket transferability remain unchanged.

Message to Members

“Some of these changes may cause initial constraints,” reads the club’s official statement, “but they are essential to strengthening the role of membership and protecting the club's community-driven structure.”

With over 40,000 season ticket holders and a wide-reaching fanbase, FC Porto’s move underscores the growing importance of digital transformation in European football — not only for revenue generation, but also for building modern, data-driven relationships with fans.