Bet McLean Cup Final 2026: How NIFL delivered a seamless stadium takeover at Windsor Park

Key takeaways

This case study shows how to run ticketing for a major final in a stadium with an existing ticketing provider.

• 80% reduction in setup time
• 12,300 fans with minimal friction
• Reusable SKIDATA integration
• Member-first sales with promo codes
• Improved accessibility experience

What does it take to deliver ticketing for a major final in a shared stadium?

As the official ticketing partner of the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL), TicketCo delivers more than flawless ticketing to the league’s clubs—we also provide ticketing solutions for NIFL’s own events, with the Bet McLean Cup Final standing out as the flagship occasion each season. Because the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park operates with a different day-to-day ticketing supplier, bringing these major events to the venue requires a complete "Stadium Takeover."

In March 2026, NIFL returned to the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park for the Bet McLean Cup Final between Glentoran and Linfield. Following the record-breaking success of 2025, this year marked a shift from rapid infrastructure deployment to strategic operational excellence.

By leveraging the "Stadium Takeover" blueprint established in Year One, TicketCo and NIFL, working alongside Sophie Glendinning and Shay Kennedy, delivered a frictionless experience for 12,300 fans.

From stadium takeover to optimisation: what changed from 2025 to 2026?

How the stadium takeover was built in 2025

Last year was defined by a massive technical "takeover." In just a few weeks, TicketCo had to:

• Build from Scratch: Create the first fully digital seat map for Windsor Park on the TicketCo platform.
• Hardware Integration: Engineer the initial integration with SKIDATA turnstiles to ensure digital tickets could communicate with stadium hardware.
• Protocol Development: Establish the logic for club-specific promo codes and priority sales windows under intense time pressure.

The Result: A record 14,539 fans and a proven technical foundation.

Learn more
Read how the stadium takeover was built from scratch (2025)

How NIFL reduced ticketing setup time by 80% in 2026

With the "heavy lift" complete, 2026 was about working smarter.

• The "Copy-Paste" Advantage: The core SKIDATA integration and the primary stadium architecture were successfully "carried over," allowing the team to skip the weeks of technical groundwork usually required for such a large venue.

• The New Objectives: Instead of building the map, we optimised it. This included minor seat map adjustments to better reflect the specific segregation needs of Glentoran and Linfield and a dedicated focus on updating accessibility areas to ensure a truly inclusive experience for all supporters.

• Strengthen Collaboration: Strengthen the partnership with the NIFL operational team.

→ Learn more about matchday optimisation

How the ticketing setup was optimised for fans and operations

Working with Sophie Glendinning and Shay Kennedy, Lauren McGeady focused on the high-value details that drive fan satisfaction:

• Member-First Priority: To reward the loyal supporters of Glentoran and Linfield, we issued unique promo codes to both clubs. This allowed members to access "Early Bird" tickets, ensuring the most passionate fans secured their preferred seats before the general public. They were able to purchase multiple tickets with one promo code per season ticket holder.
• Frictionless Access: Because the SKIDATA integration was already in place from 2025, there was minimal set-up on TicketCo’s side for the seat map for the 2026 final.
• Accessibility Focus: A key priority for 2026 was refining the accessibility journey. We updated the accessibility stand names to provide better visibility and ease of access for disabled supporters, ensuring the final was a "best-in-class" experience for every fan.
• A "User-First" Journey: The familiarity of the TicketCo interface for the NIFL fan base meant that queries were at an all-time low. Fans arrived with their digital tickets ready, moving to their seats in good time.
  

How matchday delivery was executed without friction

Moving past the 'proof of concept' stage of the previous year, the 2026 event was characterised by a seamless delivery that reflected a matured, high-functioning integration between the stadium infrastructure and the TicketCo platform.

"Working with the NIFL team this year was a breeze because we weren't starting from scratch; we were just fine-tuning a formula. From the early bird promo codes to the updated accessibility seating, everything was about making the day easier for the fans and more efficient for Sophie and Shay."
— Lauren McGeady, Customer Success Manager, TicketCo

"I had the pleasure of working with Sophie & Shay over the past few weeks to set up the event and work through the logistics of the ticketing. We already had a good foundation, so we just spent this year tightening up the details. From the early bird deals to the seating layout, everything felt more intentional and easier to manage."
— Lauren McGeady, Customer Success Manager, TicketCo

Results: 12,300 fans and 80% faster setup

• 12,300 Attendance: Solidified the Bet McLean Cup Final as a consistent, high-demand fixture in the NIFL calendar.
• Efficiency Gains: By reusing the 2025 technical framework, the "set-up to launch" time was reduced by 80%, allowing NIFL to focus on marketing and fan engagement.
• Operational Efficiency: The transition from "building" to "optimising" allowed NIFL’s Sophie Glendinning and Shay Kennedy to deliver a world-class event with increased speed and total confidence in the stadium's digital ecosystem.
• Enhanced Member Loyalty: The strategic use of unique promo codes for Glentoran and Linfield members ensured a "club-first" experience, rewarding the most dedicated fans with early access and a frictionless booking journey.

What other leagues and clubs can learn from this

The 2026 final proved that the "Stadium Takeover" isn't just about the first year; it’s about the legacy of the set-up. By building a robust foundation in 2025, TicketCo and NIFL created a repeatable, scalable model that allows the league to deliver world-class events with increasing efficiency and decreasing friction every single year.

“Everything about this year’s Stadium Takeover ran seamlessly. From the first call until the final ticket was scanned, Lauren and the TicketCo team made every challenge feel effortless. Nothing was ever a problem. Every request was met with clarity, speed, and a genuine commitment to delivering the best possible experience for our fans. Their partnership allows us to focus on excellence on the day, knowing the operational side, the integration with stadium and Skidata are all in safe hands.

Having the TicketCo team on site during matchday acted as an additional 'comfort blanket' from an operational perspective. Thanks again guys.”
— Regan McFarland, Sales and Marketing Manager, NIFL

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