SV 98 is hosting a members' match day around the upcoming home game against Eintracht Braunschweig. This campaign is one of many aimed at reaching the 18,980 member mark by the end of the season. Vice President Markus Pfitzner speaks in an interview with sv98.de about the reasons for the membership campaign and why it is essential for a club like Darmstadt 98 that fans become members. He also discusses the schedule for the members' match day and looks ahead to other activities planned as part of the membership campaign.
sv98.de: Markus Pfitzner, SV 98 has launched a membership campaign. Why?
Markus Pfitzner: „The Lilien family is a strong community built on solidarity and togetherness. SV 98 is a member-led club that competes with football limited liability companies and public limited companies. This has only worked so far because everyone – partners, sponsors, fans, and members – has contributed their share to the overall success. Membership is a key pillar of our success. We therefore want to break the 18,980 member mark, and we also want to make Lilien membership even more attractive.“
sv98.de: Why should you become a member of SV 98?
Pfitzner: „Every member makes us stronger. The bigger the foundation and base, the more we can achieve together. The currently more than 15,000 members contribute significantly to the further development of our youth section, grassroots sports, and fan work. Our sports club is loved and lived by all members, from the Bölle Bande to the Silberlilien, with a wide range of activities and a lot of passion. We are proud of this and would like to expand it.“
sv98.de: On Saturday, SV 98 is hosting a members‘ day around the home game against Eintracht Braunschweig. What specific activities can fans look forward to?
Pfitzner: „We’ll be setting up a members‘ stand behind the main stand on Saturday, where we’ll provide information about club membership and hand out membership scarves to new members. We’re calling on Lilien members to promote membership among their friends and acquaintances. Starting next Wednesday, existing members who recruit at least five new members for a week will each receive a free standing ticket for the cup match against Schalke. Ten or more new members will receive seated tickets for the cup clash. And whoever recruits the most new members can watch the game together with free drinks in the Hans-Kessler-Kurve. Our beer partner, Krombacher, is also participating with a great promotion, which we’ll be announcing in more detail later this week.“
sv98.de: What other activities are planned for members?
Pfitzner: „The largest team photo in Lilien history is just around the corner! On September 16th, we invite all members to come to the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor at 5:30pm to take the largest team photo ever taken with the professional team. We’re currently planning a very special merchandise item that only members can purchase this season. Many other activities are planned throughout the season that not only new members can look forward to.“
sv98.de: What are the advantages of being a member of the Lilies?
Pfitzner: „Membership with us means much more than just being part of a club. Our members enjoy numerous benefits. They receive exclusive discounts in the fan shop and from partners, have pre-emptive rights and discounts on season and day tickets, and are regularly informed via newsletters, the Lilienkurier, or our members‘ newspaper. Furthermore, with the WirLilien app, we offer a modern service – with a digital membership card, personalised information, and direct access to tickets, the fan radio, and the club’s media. But participation is particularly important to me: Every active and passive member has a vote and can help decide on the future of the club. In this way, we create a vibrant community in which everyone can not only benefit but also shape it.“
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.