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

Dortmund will reward fans who lock their phones during matches via a 'Fan Mode' app feature, earning points for jerseys and gift cards.

Borussia Dortmund has launched an initiative to discourage phone use during matches at Signal Iduna Park. Following a survey of 1,000 match-going supporters that revealed widespread annoyance at selfies, streaming, and social media in the stands, the club partnered with sponsor Vodafone to introduce 'Fan Mode' in its app. Fans who activate the feature will have their phones locked during the match and earn points redeemable for club merchandise and gift cards. The club aims to protect what CEO Carsten Cramer called the irreplaceable "here and now" of the stadium experience.