How the FanModus works

Borussia Dortmund is adding a FanModus to its official BVB app, which fans can switch on during a matchday. While it is active, the app measures how long the phone screen stays locked and awards points for every minute without phone use. Location services on the device must be enabled so the app can confirm the fan is inside the stadium.

Halftime is the exception: fans may use their phones during the break, but they must switch the FanModus back on afterwards. The mode can be turned off at halftime without losing points already collected. Point collection stops with the final whistle, and according to the club, the less often a fan uses the phone during a home game, the higher the total.

Prizes and launch

After the match, the participants with the most points can win prizes, including signed BVB shirts and vouchers for the club's fan shop. The feature goes live at the next Bundesliga home match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, 24 October.

Why the club acted

According to the club, almost two-thirds of football fans in the stands regularly use their phones. The club's statement put the problem this way:

“More and more fans are annoyed by selfies, streaming and social media in the stands.”

Carsten Cramer, the club's managing director, linked the initiative to the atmosphere in the stadium, which holds more than 81,000 spectators at each home match.

“More than 81,000 people in the stadium, singing together, trembling and celebrating: this here and now is irreplaceable.”

Other clubs

The move is part of a wider debate over phones in stands. Hertha BSC has banned stadium vlogs at home games, while private photo and video recording for personal use remains allowed. Dynamo Dresden banned commercial stadium vlogs in August.