Could a simple app change stadium culture? Dortmund unveiled a new “supporter mode” on Friday, rewarding fans who limit phone use at home games. The first trial arrives Saturday versus Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.
Dortmund is shaking up the stands, urging you to ditch the screen during matches at Signal Iduna Park. The “supporter mode” will hand perks to those who step back from their phones.
Nearly two‑thirds of football fans admit to frequent phone use in the terraces. That’s exactly where Dortmund, teamed up with Vodafone, steps in: pocket your device and soak up the action.
From the home clash with Eintracht Frankfurt onward, the mode will roll out via the BVB app. Fans who unlock their phones the fewest times earn points and stand a chance at great prizes, the club said on Friday.
Will other clubs adopt a similar phone‑free initiative next season?
The idea sprang from a striking Vodafone poll in 2023 of 1,000 regular attendees: 63 % said they regularly used smartphones during games. Many fellow supporters bristle at endless selfies, streaming and social feeds.
To shift habits, Dortmund will launch a fresh campaign this Saturday for the Frankfurt match, marking Bundesliga round seven.
The “Supporter Mode” will be available at every home fixture, the club promises. It works like airplane mode—one tap disables the screen, letting fans dive straight into the match.
Once activated, a locked screen racks up points that can be swapped for official club gift cards or signed BVB jerseys.
“Every football fan should live the moment, not a phone screen,” said Marcel de Groot, Vodafone Germany CEO. About 81,000 spectators are expected Saturday, eyes on the green rectangle and the stands to see if the plan pays off.