Yesterday evening, around 200 Darmstadt 98 fans gathered in the ENTEGA VIP lounge at the Merck Stadium on Böllenfalltor to discuss the atmosphere at the stadium. SV 98 primarily provided the platform for fans to discuss matters amongst themselves.
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:
The Bundesliga finalised the match schedules for matchdays three through six on Wednesday (July 15th): Darmstadt's home game against Hannover 96 on matchday three will take place on Sunday. This will be followed by their away game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday at 1pm. The home game against Arminia Bielefeld on Friday evening and the away game in Wolfsburg, also on Friday evening, have also been confirmed.
The Lilies can welcome another new arrival at the Böllenfalltor: Florian Kleinhansl will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 25-year-old joins on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with 1. FC Kaiserslautern on June 30th.
Third test, third clear victory. SV 98 won the match against FC 08 Homburg 5-1 (3-0).
SV Darmstadt 98 and the fusion energy company Focused Energy are entering into an official partnership. The aim of the collaboration is to more closely link top-level football and high technology from the Darmstadt region and to jointly generate momentum for innovation and future societal issues.
Killian Corredor will be playing in his home country again in the future. SV 98 has reached an agreement with FC Nantes on the transfer of the Frenchman.
On Tuesday (July 14, 6pm), SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Regionalliga side FC Homburg and asks fans to take note of the following information.
A home game against KSV! SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Holstein Kiel for the opening matchday of the 2. Bundesliga season this Saturday (August 8 at 1pm). Here’s how you can be there: the member pre-sale for the new season's first home game begins this coming Wednesday (July 15) at 12pm —available online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion, as usual. You can find all further details in this announcement.
For every home goal scored by the "Lilies," SV Darmstadt 98 fans were doubly rewarded during the recent 2025/26 second-division season. Beyond the joy and excitement, supporters received 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every goal Darmstadt scored at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
In recent days, various media outlets have published reports and graphics regarding the distribution of TV revenue for the 2026/27 season. Some of these reports included not only specific figures but also a comparison to the previous season. This comparison indicates a supposed revenue increase of €1.4 million for SV 98 compared to the 2025/26 season.
SV Darmstadt 98 successfully completed their second pre-season friendly, defeating Verbandsliga side VfR Fehlheim 8-0 (4-0).
