While the SV Darmstadt 98 players were preparing for the upcoming season at training camp, the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor (July 10th) was still packed: For the first time, a blood donation drive was held there with great success. In cooperation with the German Red Cross Blood Donation Service Baden-Württemberg-Hesse, the ENTEGA VIP Lounge became a centre of solidarity.
184 people responded to the call for blood donations – some even wearing their Lilies jerseys. This tremendous commitment demonstrated what the Lilies family is all about: The fans not only support the team, but also each other. The event was not only a premiere, but also the start of a long-term partnership between SV Darmstadt 98 and the DRK Blood Donation Service Baden-Württemberg – Hesse.
„In sports, as with blood donation, the team spirit is central – one for all and all for one! Through our collaboration with SV Darmstadt 98, we are gaining a valuable multiplier from professional football in the Rhine-Main region, who will help us support the good cause and recruit many new blood donors. We are very pleased about this,“ said Nora Löhlein, press spokesperson for the DRK Blood Donation Service Baden-Württemberg – Hesse, about the successful blood donation campaign in the stadium.
Three former Lilies also made a strong statement: Christian Beisel, Elton da Costa, and Marco „Toni“ Sailer were there. Sailer showed his full commitment and even lay down on the blood collection bed himself: „I want to help other people, and that’s why I’m donating blood. I hope someone can use it,“ he said emotionally after his blood donation.
The blood drive at the stadium was a complete success and once again demonstrated that a stadium can be much more than just a place for football. There will be another blood drive at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor next year. Whether you wear a jersey or not, every donation counts, because blood is needed every day. In Hesse and Baden-Württemberg alone, around 2,700 blood units are needed every day.
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.
