Fan mode pushes Dortmund to reward phone‑free supporters
Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund will roll out a new "FanModus" feature in their official app, rewarding supporters who keep their smartphones locked during matches. The initiative launches on Saturday for the home clash with Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park, and it targets the almost two‑thirds of spectators who habitually use phones.
How Fan Mode works
The tool, called Fan Mode, tracks how long a phone’s screen stays locked and awards points for every minute it remains unused. Fans must activate the feature in the app before kick‑off; phone use is permitted at half‑time, after which the mode must be re‑enabled for the second half and ends at the final whistle. The less a fan uses their phone, the higher their score.
Rewards for phone‑free supporters
Those who top the leaderboard can win signed BVB shirts and vouchers for the club’s official store. Borussia Dortmund’s statement urges supporters: "Keep your smartphone in your pocket and enjoy the game with all your senses." The club says almost two‑thirds of spectators regularly use phones, prompting growing frustration over selfies and livestreaming.
Borussia Dortmund rolls out Fan Mode to ban phones during matches
Partnership, launch and fan response
Dortmund partnered with Vodafone for the rollout. A Vodafone survey of 1,000 regular stadium goers in 2023 showed 63% used smartphones during matches. On Saturday (24/10), more than 81,000 fans are expected at Signal Iduna Park for the Frankfurt game.
Carsten Cramer, spokesperson for Borussia Dortmund, called the initiative a "strong signal" of the club’s commitment to the live experience. Marcel de Groot, CEO of Vodafone Germany, added that the programme shows how technology can step back when it should. Participation is voluntary, works like airplane mode, and is available for iOS and Android devices, requiring location permission.
Dortmund rewards phone‑free fans with points and prizes via Fan Mode
This TRA CON signal underlines a German club’s effort to protect the stadium atmosphere. By rewarding fans who disengage from screens, Dortmund hopes to restore the "here and now" feeling that no technology can replace.