Borussia Dortmund take aim at influencers in bid to protect ‘stadium experience’

Borussia Dortmund will reward supporters for not using their phones during matches in an effort to protect the “stadium experience” at the Signal Iduna Park.

The German club published the results of a survey of 1,000 match-attending supporters that revealed fans are becoming increasingly “annoyed by selfies, streaming, and social media in the stands”.

Dortmund said supporters in the stadium who activate ‘Fan Mode’ in the club’s app will have their phones locked, allowing them to earn points which can then be used to win jerseys and gift cards.

The voluntary initiative was unveiled alongside Dortmund sponsors Vodafone, who the club said was “using its innovative strength to protect the experience that no technology can replace”.

“Over 81,000 people in the stadium, singing, cheering, and holding their breath together: this here and now is irreplaceable,” Dortmund’s CEO Carsten Cramer said. “And that’s exactly what we’re putting front and center together.”

Vodafone Germany CEO Marcel de Groot added: “Anyone at a football game should experience the moment and the emotions—not just a phone screen. Let’s leave our smartphones in our pockets more often at the stadium and instead focus on what’s happening on the field and in the stands.”