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.“
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
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.
