Borussia Dortmund rewards fans for reducing smartphone use

Borussia Dortmund has launched a new initiative called ‘FanMode’ to encourage supporters to focus on live match action rather than mobile devices. Developed in collaboration with Vodafone, the program is integrated into the club’s official app and will be available during all home matches at Signal Iduna Park.

Under the ‘more football, less mobile’ slogan, fans can voluntarily activate the mode to earn points for every minute they keep their screens locked during the 90 minutes of play. While use is permitted during halftime, unlocking the phone during active play will reduce the user's score. Participants with high scores will be eligible for prizes, including signed player jerseys and vouchers for the club’s official store.

The initiative follows research indicating that approximately 63% of football fans regularly use mobile phones in the stands for selfies, social media, and live streaming. Club executives stated the goal is to protect the irreplaceable experience of singing and cheering together in a stadium of over 81,000 people.