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New Fan Mode: BVB and Vodafone Reward Fans for Authentic Stadium Moments
When Borussia Dortmund hosts Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday (Oct. 24), more than 81,000 fans will once again be in attendance at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. In the stands, the focus won’t just be on goals, tackles, and chants. It’s also about a question that’s being discussed more and more often: How much smartphone use actually enhances the stadium experience? A Vodafone survey of 1,000 regular stadium-goers back in 2023 showed that 63 percent of them regularly used their smartphones during games. But the discussions also reveal that more and more fans are annoyed by selfies, streaming, and social media in the stands. For the home game against Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and Vodafone are therefore launching the new “Fan Mode” in the BVB app. This feature rewards fans who switch their smartphones to “Fan Mode” during home games and keep them locked while the ball is in play.
“Fan Mode” will be available for all home games. It works similarly to airplane mode, which many are already familiar with from everyday life. With a simple tap, fans can switch off and immerse themselves completely in the game.
How “Fan Mode” Works
Fans can activate the new “Fan Mode” for the first time in the BVB app during the home game against Eintracht Frankfurt. Once activated, fans must lock their phones. As long as the screen remains locked, fans earn points minute by minute throughout the match. During halftime, fans can use their phones, but must then switch them back to “Fan Mode.” Point-earning ends with the final whistle.
The less fans use their smartphones during the home game, the higher their score will be. Participants with the most points can win prizes. These include autographed BVB jerseys and gift cards for the BVB Fanshop.
Participation in “Fan Mode” is voluntary, as is participation in the contest. “Fan Mode” is available for iOS and Android devices. To verify their attendance at the stadium, fans must allow the app to access their smartphone’s location.
“This ‘here and now’ is irreplaceable”
“With Vodafone, we have a partner who not only understands what technology is capable of, but also when it should take a back seat. ‘Fan Mode’ sends a powerful message: Here, a global technology company is specifically using its innovative strength to protect the experience that no technology can replace. Over 81,000 people in the stadium, singing, cheering, and holding their breath together: this here and now is irreplaceable. And that’s exactly what we’re putting front and center together,” said Carsten Cramer, CEO of Borussia Dortmund.
“Anyone at a soccer game should experience the moment and the emotions—not just a cell phone screen. Let’s leave our smartphones in our pockets more often at the stadium and instead focus on what’s happening on the field and in the stands,” said Marcel de Groot, CEO of Vodafone Germany.