Borussia Dortmund rolls out Fan Mode to ban phones during matches

Under the floodlights of Signal Iduna Park, the sea of supporters glows with anticipation while a few screens flicker in the darkness. Borussia Dortmund will trial a new Fan Mode in its official app during Saturday evening’s home clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, hoping to shift focus back to the pitch. The club reminds fans that more than 81,000 people will be singing, holding their breath and cheering together.

Smartphones have become a growing nuisance at concerts, shows and football stadiums, with many spectators snapping photos or scrolling instead of soaking up the atmosphere. The BVB sees this as a choice that erodes the shared experience of a live match.

A new rewards system to curb phone use

The Bundesliga side introduces a rewards system built into the BVB app. The optional Fan Mode tracks how long a phone’s screen stays locked during a home match, awarding points for every minute the device remains untouched.

Dortmund rewards phone‑free fans with points and prizes via Fan Mode

Supporters can unlock their phones at half‑time without losing any points, and the tally is calculated after the final whistle. The top scorers will receive prizes such as Borussia Dortmund shirts or vouchers for the fan shop.

Launch ahead of the Frankfurt clash

The feature will be available for the first time on Saturday evening’s match against Eintracht Frankfurt, developed in partnership with a technology provider. At the launch, BVB managing director Carsten Cramer said, “Over 81,000 people in the stadium, singing, holding their breath and cheering together: that sense of being here, right now, is irreplaceable. And that’s exactly what we’re putting centre stage together.”

By rewarding fans who stay present, Dortmund hopes to revive the collective roar that defines a Bundesliga fixture and to set a precedent for other clubs facing the same digital distraction.