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 
Team News: Two Changes to the Team
The 8th matchday takes the Lilies to Karlsruhe. Florian Kohfeldt has made two changes to his starting eleven compared to the home win against Cottbus: Lance Duijvestijn and Hiroki Akiyama come in for Noah Weißhaupt and Nicolas Verkooijen. Weißhaupt (on the bench) and Verkooijen (absent from the squad) both missed parts of the week's training due to illness. Additionally, Yosuke Furukawa is sidelined with calf problems.
Matchday Guide: All Information for the Karlsruhe Game
On Sunday afternoon (Oct 18th, 1:30pm), SV 98 will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the season. What do the two head coaches have to say ahead of kickoff? Who will be officiating the match, and where can you follow the action live? As always, we’ve put together all the essential information for the game against KSC in our "Matchday Guide" feature.
„We want to continue this path in Karlsruhe“
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
Fan Information for the Karlsruhe Game
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
The largest team photo in the history of the Lilien enters its second round
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
Facts & Figures: The Top Facts before the Karlsruhe Game
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
Stolperstein tour commemorates Jewish club members
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
New breadth for the future and commemorating the past
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Secure your tickets now: Home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on general sale.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
Well-deserved victory for the Young Lilies
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
With the right mindset and positive development
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.