Press Releases

Boyertown, PA – (April, 2008) Mall of America has partnered with Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc., to deliver a ticketing system solution for the newly rebranded theme park located inside the mall, Nickelodeon Universe.

Nickelodeon Universe combines the country’s largest shopping and entertainment destination with the number-one entertainment brand for kids, Nickelodeon. It features new rides, live shows, attractions, retail, games and entertainment, and food service establishments themed with top ranking Nickelodeon characters.

Before the rebranding, Mall of America ran an amusement park for more than 15 years - since it first opened back in 1992. “The original admission control and ticketing system was over 15 years old,” reported Janette Smrcka, Systems Analyst at Mall of America. “It was clear that, with the rebranding, a new ticketing system would be required to enhance profitability and efficiency.”

The mall’s parent company, Triple Five, has been using Gateway’s Galaxy product for more than 10 years at West Edmonton Mall in Canada. “They had been very satisfied with Gateway and were anxious to standardize systems throughout the enterprise,” said Smrcka.

Located in the center of the mall, Nickelodeon Universe has no admission gates—it allows guests to enter the park freely. Admission control and tracking is done using barcode wristbands that provide all-day admission.

Barcoded, points-based tickets are also available to guests.

“Each ride has a point value that ranges from 3-6 points. Guests can purchase point passes for a single ride or larger point passes at a lower price per point. These points are stored electronically on bar-coded tickets and deducted at each ride, “ Smrcka said.

Mall of America contracted with Gateway to provide the custom designed points-decrementing module that accommodates their points-based ticketing system. In addition to this module, Gateway also provided solutions for admission control, Point of Sale, photo passes, group sales and kiosks.

The mall wants to encourage self-service ticket purchasing and has combined all attended ticket sales locations within the retail shops to enable the self-service ticket stations to receive optimized sales volume. This also serves to expose guests to the abundant themed merchandise available in the park and maximizes retail sales opportunities. The new ticketing system provides opportunities for advertising by displaying LCD panels located at rides, where guests are waiting.

Despite a short time frame, Gateway was able to complete the custom software design and implement the new system by the targeted completion date. “The timeline required a launch-date just six months after the date the order was signed—from October, 2007 to March, 2008. In addition to providing direction and assistance with configuration, Gateway delivered everything on time,” said Chris Lake-Smith, Director of IT at Mall of America.

Lake-Smith feels the level of support provided by Gateway was exceptional. “Gateway’s support staff seems genuinely dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service, and its implementation team worked diligently to ensure that the required custom coded enhancements would function reliably from the first day.”

About Mall of America:
Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. The 4.2 million square foot complex is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe® the nation's first Nick theme park; Underwater Adventures® Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; a 14-screen movie theater and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.

About Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.

Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. celebrates 20 years as the world leader in high-speed admission control and ticketing software for the attraction, amusement, and intercity bus transportation industries. Located in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, Gateway Ticketing Systems provides sales, service and support for Point of Sale and ticketing systems throughout North America and worldwide.

For more information on Gateway Ticketing Systems, visit www.gatewayticketing.com or call +1 (610) 987-4000.

###