Borussia Dortmund, a prominent German soccer team, is introducing a unique initiative that may penalize fans for taking selfies inside the stadium. The club has unveiled a program that encourages fans to limit phone usage during games by offering incentives such as autographed jerseys and gift cards for club merchandise to those who participate.
The initiative, called “fan mode,” can be accessed through the club’s app and will track how frequently fans unlock their phones during matches, excluding halftime. Participants will earn points based on minimal phone usage, with rewards available for those with the highest points. Points will be deducted each time the phone is unlocked.
Dortmund’s CEO, Carsten Cramer, emphasized the importance of the live game experience, stating that the collective energy of over 81,000 fans in the stadium is invaluable. The program is voluntary, and fans are still permitted to use their phones during matches.
The move by Dortmund is a response to the growing trend of fans engaging in social media activities, such as taking selfies and streaming content during games. The club aims to preserve the traditional stadium atmosphere and discourage the commercialization of matchday experiences on social media platforms.
This initiative aligns with the broader sentiment in German soccer, where clubs like Hertha Berlin and Dynamo Dresden have implemented similar measures to limit commercial filming and prioritize fan comfort and the integrity of TV rights agreements. The focus remains on enhancing the authentic matchday experience and fostering a vibrant, fan-driven atmosphere in stadiums.
