A special place of remembrance for one of Darmstadt's most well-known fans: This week, work began on the new Jonathan Heimes Square at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. With the redesign of the main stand's forecourt, the area in front of the stadium will be named after the fan who died of cancer around ten years ago, whose motto "You have to fight" remains inextricably linked to the Lilies. The work is expected to be completed before the home match against Hannover 96 (August 30th, 1:30pm) or Arminia Bielefeld (September 11th, 6:30pm).
The idea originated in the spring from an initiative by the fan community, and the concept itself was developed in consultation with SV 98 and the Heimes family. With this project, the club is creating a central memorial and meeting place for the deceased supporter. The South Stand will therefore revert to its original name.
Markus Pfitzner, President of SV 98: “Jonathan Heimes was a fighter, a role model, and a bridge-builder. His work and motto continue to shape the club to this day. And Johnny’s courage, his zest for life, and his unwavering fighting spirit remain an inspiration to many. This memorial on our stadium grounds is intended to commemorate him. We are very happy to honour this remarkable man with this memorial.”
Martin Heimes, Jonathan’s father: “We are delighted that a fitting place has been found to honour Johnny’s story and make it accessible to all stadium visitors. We hope that it will be actively used as a meeting place and will also give strength and inspiration to others.”
SV Darmstadt 98 would like to thank all the supporters who helped make this project a reality. The club also extends its gratitude to Merck, which initiated the renaming of the South Stand to the Jonathan Heimes Stand, and to ENTEGA, which, like Merck in 2017, relinquished its advertising space on the roof structure as part of the renaming.
Previously, Merck had also waived its naming rights, so the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor was known as the „Jonathan Heimes Stadium“ during the 2016/17 season. The Lilies have also previously worn special commemorative jerseys with the slogan „You have to fight“ to honour „Johnny“ and simultaneously raise awareness of the initiative he founded, which supports children and young people with cancer and other serious illnesses.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
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.
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.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: