‘Enjoy the moment’: The German clubs limiting smartphones in stadiums
German football clubs are taking action against smartphone use and influencers to protect the matchday experience and stadium atmosphere.
In October, German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund made headlines by asking fans to turn off their smartphones during matches. The club's initiative rewarded supporters who refrained from using their phones with points, allowing them to win prizes like signed jerseys and vouchers from the club's fan shop. This unique approach, which borrows from Germany's specialized football governance, has received a warm welcome in the country.
The importance of fans playing a role in the club's decisions is emphasized, as seen through the high cost of season tickets at rival clubs such as Bayern Munich. Dortmund is not alone in trying to limit phone usage during games; Hertha Berlin and Dynamo Dresden have also implemented similar restrictions this season. While these clubs aimed to curb the growing trend of influencers monetizing in-stadium content, their primary goal was to preserve the unique atmosphere of being at a football match.
The scheme was implemented following multiple incidents during the 2026 US Open tennis tournament, where Wimbledon banned content creators to protect the overall fan experience. Dortmund's chairman, Carsten Cramer, believed that the policy preserves the club's unique identity, emphasizing the importance of emotional and authentic moments at the stadium.
Cramer urged fans to "watch, enjoy, and experience the moment," encouraging a return to the traditional football atmosphere.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
