Foto: SV 98 31.08.2026 / English
Jonathan-Heimes-Platz officially opened
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 inspiration we receive from Jonny remains unbroken. It lives on, and by bringing this place right here among the people, it becomes even stronger,” Pfitzner emphasised, referring to the central memorial and meeting place located directly in front of the main stand entrance. “We are thinking of Johnny and want to carry on what he gave us. Johnny is part of our history and always will be.”
The special connection between Johnny and the Lilies developed primarily during the years of sporting success between 2014 and 2016. His motto, “You have to fight! Nothing is lost yet,” accompanied the team, the fans, and the club, becoming an integral part of that era’s success story. From this time, a bond developed that continues to this day.
Martin Heimes expressed his gratitude and joy that Johnny’s legacy, through the initiative he founded, lives on ten years after Jonathan’s death, also through this square. Heimes said, „I’m delighted that not only is Jonathan still remembered here in the stadium, but also our initiative.“ YOU MUST FIGHT! is a non-profit initiative based on Johnny’s motto. It primarily supports seriously ill children and young people, as well as their families.
The idea for Jonathan Heimes Square originated in the spring from a fan initiative, and the concept itself was developed in consultation with SV 98 and the Heimes family. In addition to renaming the plaza in front of the main stand, a mural by graffiti artist Julian „Deafman“ Bock now also commemorates Jonathan Heimes. The mural features Johnny’s portrait, which was already part of the choreography with which the fan scene remembered him in the stadium after his death. The memorial wall is complemented by a QR code that leads to the SV 98 website, where Johnny’s life story and his special significance to the club are explained in more detail. In the coming weeks, benches will also be added to the area in front of the memorial wall.
Foto: SV 98 
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Opposition Check: Hannover 96
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.
Jonathan Heimes Square is officially opened
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.
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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.