Representatives from the worlds of sports, politics, and business gathered at the Monarch Hotel on Monday evening. The reception focused primarily on two things: gratitude for what has been achieved so far and anticipation for the friendly match against their partner club, San Antonio FC.
On Tuesday evening (local time), SV 98 will face its partner club. It marks the first match in the Lilies history to be played in the United States. Markus Pfitzner used his welcoming speech at the reception as an opportunity to express his thanks—specifically to the City of San Antonio and former Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who played a pivotal role in shaping the connection between the two cities. The Lilies‘ president also highlighted the support provided by the Darmstadt delegation, led by Mayor Hanno Benz, as well as the collaboration with Spurs Sports & Entertainment and San Antonio FC.
The partnership with SAFC, in particular, has demonstrated over the past few months what a genuine partnership is all about. Challenges regarding scheduling changes for the organisation and staging of the friendly match were also resolved collaboratively and with great flexibility.
„Whenever we come here, we feel welcome—and by now, somewhat at home,“ Pfitzner emphasized. „Contacts have turned into friendships, and initial shared ideas have evolved into long-term partnerships. The fact that we can celebrate this moment together through this friendly match is the result of the hard work and passion of so many people.“
The club president spoke with palpable emotion about the upcoming evening: „A dream is coming true. Tomorrow, at Toyota Field, we will play a match in the USA for the first time in SV Darmstadt 98’s history—and against our friends from San Antonio FC in our partner city, no less. This means an incredible amount to us. We are eagerly looking forward to a very special evening.“
It was a pleasure, San Antonio!
The Lilien will be in San Antonio from September 25th to October 1st. In this USA diary, we will keep you updated on the trip and SV 98's experiences.
2026 Fair Play Award hosted by the Lilies
On Monday (September 28th), SV Darmstadt 98 hosted the LOTTO Hessen Fair Play Award ceremony at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor for the first time. During the event, long-time captain Aytaç Sulu was named a Fair Play Ambassador.
Starting Friday: Member pre-sale for Elversberg
On Tuesday (October 27th), the Lilien will visit SV Elversberg at 8:45pm. Advance ticket sales for club members begin on Friday, October 2, at 12pm.
Sulu becomes Fair Play Ambassador | Böllenfalltorhalle goes wild
A fair-play award featuring Lilies legend Aytaç Sulu, Headis action at the Böllenfalltorhalle, and a successful Lilies team marathon—there is plenty happening at SV 98 beyond the day-to-day routine of the second division. Plus, there are updates on the fan convoy to Nürnberg and ticket sales for the home match against FC St. Pauli. As always, "Lilies Across the Board" brings you all the latest news and stories from life at SV Darmstadt 98.
Lilien Journeying Together
Lilien convoy to Nuremberg! SV 98 is picking up fans from across the Lilien region right from their doorsteps to travel to Franconia with the greatest possible support.
Lilien visit Focused Energy in Austin
During their stay in Texas, Volker Harr and Arnd Zinnhardt visited the Austin site of premium partner Focused Energy. At the US branch of the Darmstadt-based company, the two vice presidents gained insight into Focused Energy’s operations and its research into a technology that could make a significant contribution to the future energy supply in the long term.
Matchday!
The Lilien will be in San Antonio from September 25 to October 1. In this USA diary, we will keep you updated on the trip and SV 98's experiences.
Seven goals against partner club
A fitting victory for the Lilies: SV 98 prevailed 7–0 (4–0) against San Antonio FC. Lee, Smit (twice), Duijvestijn, Kehl, El Kadiri, and Herbst scored for the South Hessian side.
The Lilies as matchmakers between Darmstadt and San Antonio
SV Darmstadt 98’s partnership with San Antonio has long been forging connections that extend beyond football. This became evident once again on Monday (September 28).
Late penalty stuns Young Lilies
SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team suffered a 3 – 2 (2–2) defeat against FC Bayern Alzenau in the Hessenliga. In a hard-fought match, the Lilies took an early lead and created several chances to score a third goal, particularly after the break. A late penalty ultimately put the visitors on the path to victory.
Successful second edition of the Lilien Team Marathon
Clocking up kilometres together, experiencing team spirit, and crossing the finish line at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor: the second edition of the Lilien Team Marathon took place on Sunday (September 27). Runners of all ages took to the starting line for various distances around the "Bölle" stadium. For every participant in the adult races, SV Darmstadt 98 is donating one euro to the "Run for ME/CFS" initiative. The initiative is driven by a group of dedicated Lilien fans who aim to raise awareness of the chronic illness ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and advocate for those affected by it.