Technology expected to lead to 50% increase in raffle sales at BMO Field events and higher community contributions

On Wednesday night, a BMO Field record crowd of 36,000 fans will take in the second game of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference Final and fans will have the chance to go home a winner themselves as the electronic 50/50 raffle system is introduced at the stadium.

The electronic raffle system, which allows more tickets to be sold, resulting in higher prizes awarded to winning fans and higher contributions to charitable and community projects. The system was introduced as a pilot program in 2014 at two Ontario professional sports arenas, including Air Canada Centre for Maple Leafs and Raptors games, with the cooperation of  the Province of Ontario and MLSE.

“The electronic 50/50 system has been a huge success at Air Canada Centre, where we have seen a fifty per cent increase in raffle sales resulting in more funds available to support our community initiatives, and of course, more funds to the winning fan,” said Michael Bartlett, Head of Community Affairs for MLSE. “We’re very appreciative to the Province of Ontario for their help in making this technology possible and the chance to introduce the electronic 50/50 for one of the most important events BMO Field has ever seen tonight.”

Proceeds from the 50/50 sales at Air Canada Centre and BMO Field support the work of MLSE Foundation, which has invested more than $25 million to support the improvement of recreational facilities and programs since 2010, and will include the new MLSE LaunchPad facility opening in February, 2017.

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