“A great and very intense time”

Anyone walking through San Antonio with their eyes open will find numerous reminders of the German influence in this Texas metropolis, which was significantly shaped by German immigrants as early as the 1840s. Visitors can stroll through the King William Quarter, attend a performance by the Beethoven Men’s Choir, or stay at the Hotel Emma, ​​named after Emma Köhler, a German immigrant and longtime managing director of the Pearl Brewery. The connections to Germany are already evident on the way to San Antonio; within a 100-kilometer radius lie the towns of Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Boerne, and Luckenbach. And yet, it is, of course, a different world into which the Lilies delegation will immerse themselves these days.

Since 2017, Darmstadt and San Antonio have been linked through an official city partnership, and since July 2024, SV 98 has been cooperating with San Antonio FC, the local second division team, which belongs to Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E), the organisation that also has the NBA team San Antonio Spurs in its portfolio.

The visit of the South Hessian delegation to the city of 1.5 million inhabitants begins this Monday morning with the first official appointment in the Large Conference Room on the 18th floor of the City Tower. President Markus Pfitzner, board members Anne Baumann and Roy Reinelt-Peter, and managing directors Michael Weilguny, Martin Kowalewski, and Tom Eilers take their seats in the large meeting room.

They are welcomed there by Shahrzad Dowlatshahi, Chief Diplomacy & Protocol Officer for the City of San Antonio. Dowlatshahi, known to everyone as Sherry, looks back in her opening remarks on the connection between the two cities, highlights the relationship between the universities of San Antonio and Darmstadt, and speaks about the cooperation between Darmstadt 98 (the Lilies) and the SS&E, the city’s flagship sports club. These introductory remarks make it clear that both sides have a very high regard for the existing and long-standing connections. Dowlatshahi also explains why San Antonio chose to partner with Darmstadt nine years ago. The reasons for this go back a little further. In the summer of 2015, Sherry traveled to Germany with then-Mayor Ivy Taylor to visit various cities, attend meetings, and discuss a potential city partnership. They got the best impression in Darmstadt. „The warm welcome made a difference,“ says Dowlatshahi, who continues in her retrospective: „There were immediate human connections. We left Darmstadt saying, ‚This is the city that feels right.'“

This feeling led to an official partnership between the two cities in 2017, which, seven years later, also formed the basis for the newly established cooperation between SV 98 and SS&E.

„Our sports partnership was and is a great way to add extra value to the overarching city partnership,“ says Markus Pfitzner, before leading all those present through a presentation on the history, present, and future of SV 98. SV 98 also wants to use the days in the Texas sunshine to „identify economic opportunities,“ as Pfitzner puts it. For this reason, Sarah Morales then takes the floor. Morales is Senior Vice President of Business Engagement for greater:SATX, a company dedicated to creating high-quality jobs in the San Antonio area. Morales provides an overview of the economy in San Antonio and presents impressive figures that underscore what is often reported: the economy in Texas is booming. Of course, there’s a world of difference between these figures and SV Darmstadt 98, not just in terms of distance, but there are still points of connection, for example in the Lilies‘ sponsor network, which can be explored. Economic opportunities, in other words.

The afternoon is dedicated to history. The group from the Lilien club will visit The Alamo for a guided tour, delving deep into the history of San Antonio, Texas, the USA, and Mexico. The Alamo is one of the most famous historical sites in the United States. It gained notoriety through a battle in 1836, in which a small group of Texan defenders held the fortress against the Mexican army for about two weeks before it fell. In short, this defeat later became a symbol of resistance and freedom—every child in San Antonio still knows the phrase „Remember the Alamo“—and motivated the Texan troops who later fought for their independence from Mexico.

For SV Darmstadt 98, after discussing economics and history, the evening offered an opportunity to officially thank all past and future partners involved in the US cooperation. On the rooftop terrace of „The Monarch“ hotel in downtown San Antonio, SV 98 welcomed approximately 30 guests. These 30 individuals, over the past two years of the partnership, have contributed to the positive and lasting impression everyone has of the South Hessian-Texan connection. „This evening with you all demonstrates that this partnership isn’t just a formality, but a lived reality,“ explained Martin Kowalewski at the start of the reception. Pfitzner added, „It’s very special for us to see so many familiar faces and even friends here. When we launched this cooperation, we couldn’t have imagined how quickly everything would develop.“

It’s impressive to see the kind of people this collaboration brings together. Of course, San Antonio FC is represented this evening, as are SS&E and the City of San Antonio. But representatives from the University of Texas and San Antonio Sports are also present, as is Reagen Smith from Craft US, the US office of Lilies‘ kit supplier, Craft. Sport unites people. That much is clear this evening. And in this case, the connection even extends across the Atlantic.

A barge ride is a must-do when visiting San Antonio. The internet suggests „cargo barge“ as a translation for this mode of water transport, while someone from northern Germany would probably call it a „Barkasse“ (a type of barge). Regardless of the exact terminology, the Lilies delegation spent Tuesday morning on a trip along the San Antonio River, where the San Antonio Riverwalk stretches for 15 miles through the city. From the water, one gains excellent insights into the various neighborhoods and districts of the city. Thanks to the vast expertise of Martha Henry Martha (International Relations Specialist, City of San Antonio), who acted as tour guide that day, participants learned a great deal about the city’s history, its diverse buildings and architecture, and the significant differences in rental and square meter prices in San Antonio.

The journey ends at „The Pearl.“ The Pearl is the revitalised site of a former brewery, which has since become a major cultural and culinary hotspot in the city. For the representatives of SV 98 Darmstadt, the focus at this location is initially on the food culture of San Antonio, which is particularly influenced by numerous Mexican flavors. There is arguably no one in all of San Antonio better than head chef Johnny Hernandez, who welcomes the Darmstadt guests and representatives of the City of San Antonio to his restaurant, „La Gloria.“ The 57-year-old has special memories of Darmstadt. Hernandez was part of the group that traveled to Darmstadt in 2017 to officially establish the city partnership. He cooked at the Heinerfest festival, entertained the mayor, and took many impressions back to Texas. With a broad grin, the chef, whom everyone calls „Chef“ or „Chef Johnny,“ shows off a large article about his visit in the Darmstädter Echo newspaper.

“It was my first visit to Germany ever, I have nothing but good memories of Darmstadt, and it’s wonderful to be able to welcome this group to my restaurant today.” This luncheon also underscores the strong ties between Darmstadt and San Antonio and the foundation of the partnership between the Lilies (Darmstadt 98) and San Antonio FC.

Culinary delights are followed by business. The special venue for the meeting with San Antonio Sports is the Alamodome in the heart of the city. The multi-purpose arena seats more than 70,000 and is used for special events such as concerts, college football games, and shows. The Alamodome is also home to the non-profit organisation San Antonio Sports, whose primary goal is to transform the community through the power of sports. Access to sports in the USA is often expensive, and San Antonio Sports ensures that children and young people, in particular, can choose from a wide range of options. From the perspective of the amateur sports club SV Darmstadt 98, this afternoon’s exchange is incredibly exciting. Jenny Carnes, President and CEO of San Antonio Sports, gave a very detailed overview of the work, projects, and funding within her organisation. Afterward, the Lilies were given a tour of the Alamadome. An impressive afternoon. In many ways.

The second day in San Antonio concludes with a visit to the Beethoven Men’s Choir. The beer garden, located in the beautiful King William District, is home to the oldest German men’s choir west of the Mississippi. Founded in 1867, the choir boasts 400 members, including around 60 active singers, who will once again offer a taste of their artistry this evening. Claus Heide, sporting a Darmstadt 98 jersey and scarf, has extended the invitation to this „German Evening“ far from home. Darmstadt is welcome everywhere in this city, as is SV 98 Darmstadt. This realisation is becoming increasingly clear: San Antonio and its people have big hearts.

9:45am. Meeting point: Toyota Field. Wednesday is dedicated to sports and the cooperation with San Antonio FC and Spurs Sports & Entertainment. The Darmstadt delegation will be welcomed in the morning by Jose Lizardo, Director of Toyota Field and Star Soccer Complex. „It’s great to see my friends again,“ says Lizardo, who has already visited SV 98 in Darmstadt and has welcomed representatives of the Lilies on various occasions.

The morning meeting time is timed to coincide with San Antonio FC’s training schedule. With seven points from three games, SAFC has made an excellent start to the new season, and this Wednesday the team begins preparations for their upcoming home game against Lexington. Landry Walker is also completing the session under the morning sun; the 16-year-old was a guest in Darmstadt from March 9th to 18th, participating in training sessions with the U17 and U19 teams at the Lilies‘ youth academy. „An unforgettable experience,“ Walker says of his visit, and he is very happy to be reunited with some familiar faces.

Joining Walker on the training pitch was Mitchell Taintor, captain of SAFC and our interview guest in the early afternoon. „We’re really looking forward to the friendly in September,“ the 31-year-old revealed, before adding: „It would be great if part of the stadium were blue and white and we could experience a fantastic match for both sets of fans.“

Lizardo is also eagerly anticipating the September fixture: „We can hardly wait; the stadium will be packed. The game will be an absolute highlight of our season.“

Before speaking about the September clash, Lizardo used a presentation to illustrate the guiding principles and values ​​of SS&E and SAFC. „Anyone who doesn’t live by these values ​​can’t be a player for our club.“ Notably, many points overlap with those that SV 98 also stands for. „This makes this partnership even easier, because the comparable value system helps us understand each other’s actions.“

In the afternoon, the Darmstadt 98 team left the SAFC grounds. Lizardo accompanied them on the approximately 25-minute drive north. Their destination? The Victory Capital Performance Centre, also known as „The Rock,“ the state-of-the-art training facility of the San Antonio Spurs. It was a special occasion to be allowed to enter the hallowed halls of the five-time NBA champions. A place for daily work at a world-class level and, at the same time, a meeting place for the many departments within the Spurs‘ athletic operations, right up to the players of the flagship team.

In the impressive facilities, the Darmstadt delegation gained various insights. What role do data and AI play? How specifically does the team prepare for each opponent in their 82 games? What athlete management system do the Spurs use? These are topics that also constantly occupy Darmstadt 98, and it was fascinating to see that many considerations and ideas are similar. Of course, the Spurs have entirely different resources when it comes to implementation, further development, and financing. To put things in perspective: The construction costs for „The Rock“ amounted to $500 million. This Wednesday showcases the multifaceted nature of SS&E. And at the same time, it illustrates that whether it’s a German second-division team, a USL team, or a top NBA team, the same values ​​are upheld in this partnership.

For more than 17 years, Buzz Grifeth has been welcoming individuals and groups to the Frost Bank Centre, home of the San Antonio Spurs, to give them tours of the facilities. „After all this time, you’re my first group from Germany,“ the guide explains with a broad grin before leading the Lilies delegation into the NBA team’s home arena.

Griffeth possesses an extensive knowledge of every nook and cranny of the arena, discussing the construction of the stands, former players, and unforgettable games or concerts. His detailed story about the introduction of „Coyote,“ the Spurs‘ official mascot since 1983, also leaves a lasting impression. With every sentence, you can feel Grifeth’s pride in his employer and his job. His passion, charm, and engaging manner perfectly exemplify the values ​​that are lived out at the Spurs and throughout Spurs Sports and Entertainment. The tour concludes in the game-day locker room. The motto that shapes Spurs‘ daily work, actions, and deeds is immortalised on the wall there. The inscription reads: „Pound the Rock.“ It is a quote from the Danish-American journalist and photographer Jacob Riis, which we would like to reproduce here in its entirety:

In short, it’s about the daily work that no one sees, but which eventually leads to visible progress or success. The meetings following the stadium tour clearly demonstrate how deeply Spurs have internalised this motto. SV 98 gains insights into the various departments of Spurs, with the delegation meeting with representatives from ticketing, marketing, partner management, and strategy. Once again, it becomes clear: different scales, similar topics. For example, season tickets, ticket prices, sponsor acquisition, and the integration of AI into strategic processes. Each meeting fosters an exchange from which both sides can gain something. To conclude the day at the Frost Bank Arena, Frank Miceli, Chief Revenue Officer at Spurs Sports & Entertainment, makes a spontaneous visit. Miceli is a big football fan and a regular at San Antonio FC home games. He talks about his passion for sports, the DNA of Spurs, and, of course, about „Pounding the Rock.“ The Lilies will certainly take this quote back to southern Hesse with them.

The final item on the agenda for the days in San Antonio was also a special one. The Lilies were welcomed to the campus of the University of Texas at San Antonio to gain an overview of the facilities for the various sports teams. Christine Moeller, Senior Associate Athletics Director, led the visitors from southern Hesse through the training fields, locker rooms, gym, the impressive equipment area, meeting rooms, and the medical facilities available to the athletes. How does a university finance such vast sports facilities? How is the balance between academics and athletics achieved under such professional conditions?

The visit to UTSA was an enriching conclusion to an incredibly informative week, which was also characterised by the warmth and openness of all those who dedicated so much time to the exchange with SV 98.

President Markus Pfitzner looks back on the past few days in San Antonio with corresponding satisfaction: “We had a fantastic and very intensive time. It was a packed schedule with many impressive meetings. The discussions were very productive, and we deepened and expanded our network. The entire partnership has grown very organically, and the interactions are incredibly friendly and open. After this week of personal interaction, I couldn’t be more convinced of this collaboration and our upcoming trip in September.”

Martin Kowalewski, Managing Director of Marketing and Sales, adds: “We set ourselves certain goals when we began the collaboration in July 2024. And over the past two years, a very warm, intensive, and personal relationship has developed with everyone involved. This is especially true with both cities, San Antonio FC, and the San Antonio Spurs as part of Spurs Sports and Entertainment. Our official reception on Monday evening, which was attended by 30 stakeholders, was a prime example of this. We can be proud of the progress made so far and are drawing a lot of energy from these days for the next steps, such as a sponsor trip as part of our visit surrounding the friendly match in September.”

The Darmstadt delegation left San Antonio on Friday morning. The group from Darmstadt will use the remaining time before their return flight for a visit to Beaumont, where SV 98 maintains close ties with the local football club, SVD Beaumont, and pursues social goals and projects through this cooperation. (more information here).