Dortmund to reward football supporters who don’t use phone during matches
Borussia Dortmund's new scheme does not mean a ban on supporters using their phones and system is voluntary for fans.
A stadium selfie could soon be to a fan’s detriment at German football giant Borussia Dortmund after the club announced plans to reward those who leave their phones alone during the game.
Dortmund is offering signed jerseys and gift cards for club merchandise to fans who use an app which measures how often they unlock their phones at its stadium.
Arguing that “more and more fans are annoyed by selfies, streaming, and social media in the stands,” Dortmund says supporters can volunteer to use a “fan mode” in the club’s app, starting Saturday with a home game against Eintracht Frankfurt.
“Over 81,000 people in the stadium, singing, cheering, and holding their breath together: this here and now is irreplaceable,” Dortmund CEO Carsten Cramer said in a statement late on Thursday.