A fruitful discussion with 200 Darmstadt fans and Marcel Schuhen.

On the podium, team captain Marcel Schuhen, along with two chant leaders from the South Stand and one representative each from Block A and the opposite stand, spoke about the current atmosphere in the stadium, before Darmstadt fans in the audience were also given the opportunity to ask questions and make statements. These came from all sections of the stadium.

The entire discussion was characterised by an extraordinary degree of respect and a strong desire for cooperation. This made it possible to discuss even difficult topics or issues with differing opinions constructively. All fan representatives were also self-critical. There was unanimous agreement that the team was performing exceptionally well this season, while the fans had only been able to fully unleash their previously demonstrated potential for support in a few matches.

The perspective from the pitch was also important: the players are acutely aware of the energy emanating from the stands. A strong appeal was made to everyone that fans and players must act as a united front during the 90 minutes and provide each other with positive motivation. Criticism can always be voiced loudly after the final whistle; that’s part of being a professional. However, negative comments directed at one’s own players during the match only harm the team and the club, a point unanimously emphasised by everyone present. Playing at the Böllenfalltor stadium must once again be a „nasty“ experience for every opponent. What was previously portrayed as the old Bölle and its spartan changing rooms must now also be embraced by the fans.

„Actively supporting the team releases additional energy that could prove crucial as the season progresses,“ Schuhen affirmed. Accordingly, the hope on the pitch is that other sections of the stadium besides the South Stand will also participate in the support. Furthermore, a call came from there for other sections of the stadium, or even smaller groups, to start more chants and battle cries themselves. The current chant leaders also clarified that they are not particularly fond of the loudspeakers in front of the opposite stand and see their value primarily in disseminating information, such as during choreographies or in the event of a medical emergency during the cup match. The atmosphere and chants should spread authentically and organically, so the use of the loudspeakers in front of the opposite stand will continue to decline.

Naturally, the analysis also included examining which structural and constructional measures had led to the current status and which could lead to future improvements. Since these could only be medium- and long-term approaches, the focus quickly shifted to clarifying the „here and now,“ asking each individual what more they could contribute to positively impact the bigger picture.

The fans instructed SV 98 to revisit the pre-match activities and any rituals that may have disappeared over the years, as these could also contribute to a positive overall atmosphere.

Everyone present realised that a stadium atmosphere cannot be changed at the push of a button, but felt the evening was the start of a process in which the insights gained must now be carried forward to their own stadium environment and exemplified: