Before SV Darmstadt 98 officially kicks off the 2026/27 second division season, a very special day awaits all Lilies fans at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. As a final dress rehearsal before the start of the competitive season, the Lilies will host the traditional English club Portsmouth FC on Saturday (August 1st) at 2pm. But there will be plenty to see and do beyond the pitch: Around the friendly match, the Lilies will celebrate the official opening of the 2026/27 season together with their supporters.
The stadium gates open at noon, inviting everyone to linger around the Böllenfalltor. Numerous partners, club departments, and fans will be present with stands, interactive activities, and various offerings for all ages. The aim is to kick off the new season together with fun and good cheer, building anticipation for the start of the season. Our kit supplier, Craft, will once again be holding its popular SALE, offering attractive deals for all Darmstadt fans. Furthermore, the new away kit will be unveiled for the first time on this festive day, both in the fan shop and later on the pitch. It will premiere on this day and will only be available at the Böllenfalltor!
The „Trinkhalle am Bölle“ (a refreshment stand) in the north wing of the main stand will also be making its debut. There, you can enjoy cool drinks and DJ music while getting in the mood for the match. Keep your eyes peeled, there are more surprises to come.
Inside the stadium, Alberto Colucci will perform our song „Die Sonne scheint“ (The Sun Shines) for all the fans, creating another high-energy moment as part of the season opening celebrations.
Another highlight follows after the final whistle: After showering, the team will spread out to various stations around the Merck Stadium for the traditional autograph session, once the stadium gates open. They will be available for photos, autographs, and personal encounters with the fans. If you want to find all the stations and win something along the way, keep an eye out for the season opening stamp booklet. After the final whistle, the stadium gates will open for everyone. So, if you can’t make it to the friendly against Portsmouth FC, you can still join the season opening festivities for free afterward.
| Standing room opposite stand | |
| Members | 7 Euro |
| Full Price | 10 Euro |
| Reduced | 8 Euro |
| Child | 5 Euro |
| Main grandstand seating | |
| Member | 18 Euro |
| Full Price | 21 Euro |
| Reduced | 19 Euro |
| Child | 9 Euro |
| Seat opposite stand | |
| Member | 18 Euro |
| Full Price | 21 Euro |
| Reduced | 19 Euro |
| Child | 9 Euro |
| Seat (padded) in the main grandstand | |
| Member | 27 Euro |
| Full Price | 30 Euro |
| Reduced | 29 Euro |
| Child | 15 Euro |
| 98er Box for fans | 149 Euro per Person |
| Hans-Kessler-Kurve | 85 Euro per Person |
The „98ers Box for Fans“ once again offers a special matchday experience this year. In an exclusive atmosphere, visitors can enjoy a lavish buffet in the box foyer, drinks at the club bar near the halfway line, and comfortable seats on the box level. Parking directly at the stadium is also included (for bookings of two or more box tickets), as well as the opportunity to meet club representatives. Another highlight: Before the traditional autograph session, the team will also visit the box and enjoy a post-match meal together. Furthermore, fans and fan groups will again have the opportunity to reserve their seats in the Hans-Kessler Curve. (tickets@sv98.de).
The international match against Portsmouth FC is not only the final rehearsal before the start of the season, but also a whole day spent with the Lilies. SV Darmstadt 98 is looking forward to opening the new season together with its fans at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
A special place of remembrance for one of the most famous Darmstadt fans. Before SV Darmstadt 98's home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), Jonathan Heimes Square at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be officially opened.
Darmstadt's league campaign resumes on Sunday (August 30th). Their opponent? Hannover 96! Hannover 96 have lost more often to Darmstadt than to any other team in the 2. Bundesliga. All the other facts and figures surrounding the match can be found here.
On Sunday (August 30, 2026, 1:30pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information for the upcoming home game. Starting this season, we will be offering women's entrances at the west entrances. Additionally, there is a Bölle Bande family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance.
In Wednesday's media briefing, Nicolas Verkooijen spoke about his Kickbase team, communication within the squad, and the intensive training in Germany. A former Darmstadt 98 player had the opportunity to compete against the best footballers, and we report on the historic stadium tour as part of the Bundesliga's founding anniversary celebrations. All the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 can be found, as usual, in "Lilies Across the Board"
A journey to the roots of the Lilies: Where churches, residential buildings, or clubhouses stand today, Darmstadt football history was once written. To mark the Day of German Football History, 35 participants set out on a special tour of discovery aboard the professional team's bus—tracing the path from the early pitches of FK Olympia and SC Darmstadt to the club's current home at the Böllenfalltor.
