Borussia Dortmund launch unusual Signal Iduna Park scheme to tackle smartphone use

Borussia Dortmund have launched an unusual initiative at Signal Iduna Park to encourage supporters to put their smartphones away during matches, offering prizes to fans who avoid using their devices.

The scheme, developed in partnership with Vodafone, aims to protect the atmosphere inside the German club's famous stadium by encouraging supporters to focus on the action on the pitch rather than their screens.

Dortmund introduce Fan Mode to reward phone-free supporters

The new initiative, called Fan Mode, is available through the official BVB app and was introduced for Dortmund's Bundesliga home match against Eintracht Frankfurt on October 24.

Supporters can activate the feature before locking their phones, earning points for every minute their screens remain locked during the match. Fans can use their devices at half-time, but must reactivate the mode afterwards to continue accumulating points.

Those with the highest scores can win prizes, including signed Borussia Dortmund shirts and vouchers for the club's official fan shop. Participation is voluntary, and the feature is available on both iOS and Android devices.

The scheme follows a Vodafone survey of 1,000 regular match-going fans in 2023, which found that 63% regularly used their smartphones during games. Dortmund have also highlighted growing frustration among supporters over selfies, streaming and social media activity in the stands.

Club chief executive Carsten Cramer said the partnership was intended to protect the shared experience of watching football live, with thousands of supporters singing, cheering and reacting together.

FGG Says: Dortmund's smartphone scheme is a clever way to protect the matchday atmosphere

Dortmund have found a creative way to encourage supporters to be more present during matches without imposing a blanket ban on smartphone use.

Offering rewards rather than restrictions gives fans a reason to put their devices away while keeping participation voluntary. If the initiative helps supporters engage more with the action and atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park, it could prove a worthwhile addition to the matchday experience.