Florida pro soccer team's new iOS app cuts out ticket middlemen

The Orlando City Soccer Club this week launched a new app for iOS and Android that leverages the team's paperless ticketing process to sell passes directly to customers, effectively cutting out third party ticketing sites.

Developed by mobile platform firm FanHero, Orlando City SC's LionNation app acts as a digital hub for the club's membership program.

Similar to other live event apps, LionNation offers users the usual assortment of ticket management features, including purchasing and in-stadium pass presentation. The OCSC goes further by providing in-app direct to customer merchandise and ticket sales, saving buyers money normally associated with third party ticketing services.

"It seems archaic that an organization should miss out on thousands of dollars of revenue to sell their own products - we believe this technology is the future of 'hero' to 'fan' sales," said Christopher Cooper, co-founder of FanHero.

Available to members and non-members, LionNation will be the preferred method of entry into Orlando City Stadium as the venue transitions to a paperless ticketing process. When the Major League Soccer season kicks off in March, single-game ticket holders will need to present an in-app pass for entry into the stadium. Season-ticket holders can use either the app or their physical membership card.

Fans can also buy digital tickets for friends and family, as well as resell passes purchased within the app.

In addition to ticketing, the new app offers live coverage of team practices, player interviews, exclusive photos, commentary, team news, stats, a chat module and more.

The LionNation app is a free download from the iOS app store.