First aid initiative at the stadium | Lilies receive double the number of new recruits

Last Saturday (January 10th), the „Stadium First Responders“ initiative was launched. And it was a great success: Under the guidance of the Björn Steiger Foundation, nearly one hundred Darmstadt 98 fans were trained as first responders in several sessions. The aim of the initiative is to empower fans from all areas of the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor to provide quick, safe, and appropriate assistance in an emergency. We thank all participants for their commitment and look forward to further strengthening safety at the Bölle together.

SV Darmstadt 98 has strengthened its squad with two new signings for the second half of the season: Raoul Petretta and Niklas Schmidt are joining the Lilies. Raoul Petretta, 28, arrives from Toronto FC and will wear the number 18 jersey. The left-back came through all the youth teams at FC Basel and made 152 appearances for the Swiss top club, including matches in the Champions League and Europa League. Paul Fernie, sporting director of SV 98, explains why the club opted for Petretta: „Raoul fits our requirements perfectly. He is intelligent on the pitch, secure on the ball, a good decision-maker, and actively defends.“ Petretta himself is looking forward to returning to Europe: „Darmstadt is a club I’ve followed for a long time. I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates and participating in the first training sessions.“

Niklas Schmidt, 27, joins Darmstadt on loan from FC Toulouse and will wear the number 31 jersey. The midfielder was developed in the youth academy of SV Werder Bremen, played for SV Wehen Wiesbaden and VfL Osnabrück, and has experience in both German professional football and the French Ligue 1. „With Niklas, we’re getting a creative player for the attacking midfield who is versatile and can provide decisive moments,“ says Paul Fernie. Schmidt himself is looking forward to his time in Darmstadt: „The team plays attractive football, and I’m excited to wear the Lilies‘ jersey for the first time.“

Around 200 Darmstadt fans gathered in the ENTEGA VIP Lounge last Monday evening (January 19th) to discuss the atmosphere in the stadium with captain Marcel Schuhen and fan representatives from the South Stand, Block A, and the opposite stand. The aim was to strengthen support for the team and develop constructive approaches for better cooperation. Schuhen emphasised how powerfully the fans‘ energy is felt on the pitch. He called for everyone to stand united behind the team throughout the 90 minutes. Criticism is appropriate after the game, he said, but during the game it is more likely to harm the team. The discussion was characterised by tremendous respect, self-criticism, and a desire for improvement. Fans were encouraged to actively participate in chants, involve all areas of the stadium, and collectively create a hostile atmosphere for opposing fans. In the medium term, structural measures and past rituals will also be considered to further enhance the stadium atmosphere.

Darmstadt 98 are launching a special membership challenge in 2026, searching for the „Members‘ Block“ at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor: Which section of the stadium will be the first to reach a membership rate of at least 90 percent? The rules are simple: Create a great atmosphere in your section and convince season ticket holders who aren’t members to become part of the Darmstadt 98 family. You can find regular updates on the current status here. We’ll also provide you with promotional materials that you’re welcome to use to transform your section into the Members‘ Block. At the beginning of the year, all sections are virtually tied. The reward for the winning section: All season ticket holders who are members will receive an additional free match for the upcoming season, which will be deducted from the season ticket price.

On Sunday (January 25th), Matthias Neumann, head of the professional players department at SV Darmstadt 98, celebrates his 35th birthday. We send you our warmest congratulations, dear Matze. Enjoy your special day – we wish you all the best, good health, and continued success!

Starting with the home game against 1. FC Nürnberg (January 23rd, 6:30pm), beer prices at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will increase by 50 cents: A 0.5l cup will now cost €5.50 instead of €5.00, and a five-pack of beer will cost €25.00 instead of €27.50. The increase is due to higher purchase prices, increased personnel costs, and the minimum wage increase that came into effect in January. All other beverage and food prices will remain unchanged. The adjustment was jointly decided upon by SV Darmstadt 98 and the stadium caterer, Oliver Stolz Gastronomiebetriebe.