Analysis: Faith helps
Darmstadt's season started with a bang. A late comeback secured SV 98 a point against Holstein Kiel. Our analysis examines the key moments of the match, highlighting both the positives and the negatives.
08.08.2026 / English
Jonathan Heimes Square becomes a reality: Work begins in the stadium for the memorial.
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.
„They showed character“
Darmstadt showed great character, coming back from a 0-2 deficit in their first competitive match of the new season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
A Point Gained with Spirit
SV 98 demonstrated their resilience and comeback qualities right from the first matchday: In the 2-2 (0-2) draw, the Lilies equalised a two-goal deficit and ultimately snatched a point from the visitors. Lee (76th minute) and Vukotić (86th minute) sent the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor into raptures in the second half.
Team News: Four New Faces in the Starting XI
Darmstadt 98 kick off their new second division season with a home game against Holstein Kiel (August 8th/1pm). Florian Kohfeldt will field four new players in the starting lineup – Noah Weißhaupt, Florian Kleinhansl, Christopher Lannert, and Lance Duijvestijn – who will be making their competitive debuts for the Lilies.
Matchday Guide: All the info on the Kiel game
Finally, it's starting again! Today, Saturday (August 8th/1pm), Darmstadt 98 kicks off the new 2. Bundesliga season with a home game against Holstein Kiel. The Lilies host the Storks at the Böllenfalltor stadium and are aiming to secure their first points of the new campaign. What are the two head coaches' comments before kickoff? Who will referee the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the season opener against Holstein Kiel in our "Matchday Guide" overview.
Sinalco becomes a top partner of SV Darmstadt 98
SV Darmstadt 98 and Sinalco are now joining forces. The beverage brand will become an official top partner of the Lilies and will provide refreshments at home games and club events.
Opposition Check: Holstein Kiel
A fresh start. The new season is about to begin, and for Holstein Kiel, as well as for Darmstadt 98, it's a new campaign. After a difficult season as a relegated Bundesliga team, the Storks also have to reset. Tim Walter has been back on the Kiel sidelines since the beginning of the year. Now, the first matchday takes the Storks to the Bölle stadium.
Organisational information for the Kiel game
On Saturday (August 8th, 1pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information for the upcoming home game. For the start of the season, we will be offering women's entrances at the west entrances. Additionally, there will be a "Bölle Bande" family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance. Furthermore, in addition to the existing regulations, visitors are permitted to bring one non-alcoholic beverage in PET bottles up to 0.5 litres into the stadium for this game.
“Our mentality can be a very great strength.”
Where do Darmstadt 98 stand? What are our head coach's expectations for the visitors? And how satisfied are we with the summer break? Florian Kohfeldt answered questions from journalists at today's press conference ahead of the season opener against Holstein Kiel (August 8th, 1pm). We've summarised Kohfeldt's key statements from the press conference for you.
Facts and Figures: The Top Stats Before the Kiel Game
The ball will finally start rolling again at the Merck Stadium on Saturday. Darmstadt 98 kick off their new second division season with a home game against Holstein Kiel. The Lilies are unbeaten against Kiel in their last seven competitive matches. All the other facts and figures surrounding the season opener can be found here.
RMV CombiTicket: New access point for day tickets and digital WirLilien tickets
The RMV combined ticket remains free of charge with the stadium ticket. However, day tickets and digital WirLilien tickets will now require a separate digital request before each home game. All information about the new procedure can be found here.
Starting Friday: Member presale for Kaiserslautern tickets
On Matchday 4 of the 2026/27 2. Bundesliga season, Darmstadt 98 will be in action in Rhineland-Palatinate. At the Fritz-Walter-Stadion, SV 98 will face 1. FC Kaiserslautern in their second away game of the season. Here's how you can be there: Member pre-sale tickets for this match start this coming Friday (August 7th) at 12 noon – both online and at the ticket office at the Merck-Stadion.