Case Study: The Gideons International
How The Gideons International unifies multi-state conventions — and prepares for a global rollout — with one platform built for relationships, not just registration.
When the Dallas Sports Commission hosted the U-18 Softball World Cup, they needed more than tech—they needed a partner for fast check-ins, smooth payments, and live support. See how Brushfire helped deliver a flawless experience for thousands, proving great events start with great partnerships.
Every great sporting event relies on a strong team behind the scenes, working tirelessly to ensure everything goes smoothly. For the Dallas Sports Commission (DSC), hosting the U-18 Softball World Cup was an opportunity to showcase world-class hospitality on a global stage — but it also came with tremendous pressure. Between thousands of attendees, multiple game days, and international visitors, there was no room for a single misstep. They needed technology that could handle the demands of a complex, high-profile tournament, along with a partner they could trust to support them every step of the way. That’s why they turned to Brushfire.
The DSC faced the same challenges any top-tier sports event organizer would recognize — but on a larger scale. They had to manage a multi-day schedule, with thousands of fans entering and exiting the venue at different times. They needed ticketing and check-in systems that were fast, flexible, and easy for staff to learn on the fly. There was also an expectation for modern, contactless payments to accommodate guests who increasingly prefer cashless experiences. Perhaps most importantly, the DSC needed real-time data on attendance, sales, and check-in activity to make quick, informed decisions throughout the tournament. And they couldn’t afford downtime, glitches, or unanswered support tickets. The stakes were high.
As a team that regularly supports international sporting events, the DSC knew they needed more than a piece of software. They needed a partner who understood live events, could handle the stress of game day, and would stand by their side if things didn’t go as planned.
From the very first conversation, Brushfire took the role of partner rather than vendor. Working hand in hand with DSC, Brushfire helped design an event structure that could flex across multiple days, time slots, and ticket types. Their platform made it easy to segment attendees, manage session-based entry, and track every participant with precision.
One of the biggest wins for DSC was Brushfire’s integration with Square. By using Tap to Pay on iPhone, DSC was able to accept secure, contactless payments at every gate without investing in extra hardware. Attendees could tap their phone or card and move through the line in seconds. As a result, fans spent more time enjoying the games and less time waiting at the entrance.
Real-time reporting was another essential piece of the puzzle. Brushfire delivered live insights into ticket scans, attendee counts, and payment activity. For DSC staff, this meant they could monitor capacity, adjust staffing, and see exactly what was happening across every entrance in real time. That level of visibility helped them prevent issues before they turned into problems.
And when the stakes were highest, Brushfire’s team showed up. Onsite support specialists were there to help with technical questions, troubleshoot unexpected issues, and train DSC’s staff. That human backup gave DSC total confidence to focus on delivering a world-class fan experience, knowing the technology was fully supported by real people who understood how events work.
By the final pitch, the DSC’s partnership with Brushfire had paid off. Fans enjoyed fast, easy entry with contactless payments and simple ticket scanning. Event staff felt confident with systems that worked, backed by people who picked up the phone when they needed help. Organizers had full control over attendee flow and could make decisions instantly thanks to real-time reporting. The U-18 Softball World Cup was delivered without a hitch, giving players, coaches, and spectators alike a smooth and memorable experience.
For DSC, Brushfire was more than just a tool — it was a teammate. From setup to check-in to on-the-ground support, Brushfire made it possible to focus on the big picture while trusting the details were handled.
World-class events deserve world-class partners. Brushfire’s combination of robust technology, flexible payment solutions, and responsive, human-centered support turned a complex tournament into an organized, stress-free success. By investing in a partnership rather than a product, the Dallas Sports Commission ensured that even under intense pressure, they could deliver a flawless event experience.
If you’re looking to level up your event operations — from sports tournaments to concerts to festivals — Brushfire is ready to help you design a winning game plan. When every second counts, we’re the teammate who shows up, on and off the field.
To see how the right partnership can make all the difference under pressure, watch the full story and discover what made this winning play possible.
How The Gideons International unifies multi-state conventions — and prepares for a global rollout — with one platform built for relationships, not just registration.
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