This week, Darmstadt 98's focus is entirely on the start of the new season. However, there was plenty going on around the first team: while numerous children were introduced to various sports at the second recreational sports camp, sporting director Paul Fernie answered questions from the media. All the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 can be found, as usual, in "Lilies Across the Board".
Since Monday, a double-digit number of children have been participating in the second recreational sports camp organised by SV Darmstadt 98. Over several days, the enthusiastic participants are being introduced to various sports and can try them out firsthand.
After an initial introduction on Monday, the program included „Headis,“ a game that combines elements of table tennis and soccer. Tuesday offered even more variety. This week, the children will gain their first experiences in sports such as karate, flag football, and soccer for children with disabilities. The focus is primarily on physical activity, teamwork, and the joy of sports.
Our assistant coach Darius Scholtysik celebrated his 60th birthday on Tuesday (August 4th). SV Darmstadt 98 extends its warmest congratulations and wishes him all the best for the coming year, especially health, happiness, and continued success with the Lilies.
During Wednesday’s training session (August 5th), sporting director Paul Fernie spoke to the media about the upcoming season opener against Holstein Kiel and the mood within the team.
Looking ahead to the start of the league season, Fernie made it clear: „We’ve completed our preseason preparations. Now everything is focused on Kiel.“ At the same time, he emphasised Darmstadt’s self-confidence: „Like any second-division team, we are capable of winning games. And we go into every game to win it.“
The Englishman declined to offer a specific season prediction at this point: „First and foremost, we need to integrate the new players. Patience will be key, especially in the coming weeks. For us, success means that this team gels quickly after undergoing a major overhaul and can consistently pick up points during this transitional phase.“
Fernie also spoke about the cohesion of the newly formed squad. „The preseason is always exciting. Everyone gets to know each other, the anticipation builds, and roles within the group develop.“ His impression after the past few weeks is entirely positive: „The group is very harmonious overall. It is ready for the new challenges.“
Saturday not only marks the start of the league season for Darmstadt 98, but also a special day of celebration: Goalkeeper coach Alexander Kynaß turns 38. Congratulations and all the best for the coming year, Alex!
Another important change this season concerns the RMV CombiTicket: It remains included free of charge with the stadium ticket. However, for day tickets and digital WirLilien tickets, a separate digital request is required before each home game. All information can be found here.
An anniversary is coming up: The Bölle Bande is celebrating its tenth birthday! To mark the occasion, everything surrounding the match day will revolve around the anniversary. We offer our warmest congratulations and look forward to a fantastic match day with you.
Furthermore, our active fan scene is calling on all Lilies fans to come to the stadium wearing blue.
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.
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.
Stream all Darmstadt 98 matches in the 2nd Bundesliga and the DFB Cup live with Sky Sport on WOW!
Once again this season, our premium partner ENTEGA is creating unique stadium experiences. For every home match, you can win two VIP fan seats in the main stand and also gain access to the ENTEGA VIP Lounge. The application deadline for the match against Kiel is Thursday (August 6th) at 12pm.
SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team has made a successful start to the new Lotto Hessenliga season. On Sunday afternoon (August 2nd), the "Young Lilies" secured a 1-5 (0-1) victory away at CSC 03 Kassel. After a controlled first half, the Lilies asserted their dominance in the second period through clinical transition play.
SV Darmstadt 98 and English second-division side Portsmouth played out a goalless draw in their final warm-up match before the official start of the season.
The "Lilies'" matchday attire for away games has been finalised: SV Darmstadt 98 will take the field in the new season wearing away jerseys made of cream-colored mesh fabric, incorporating design elements from the home shirt.
Patrick Kurt has been working in the youth setup at SV Darmstadt 98 since 2016. This summer, the former U19 coach took charge of the U21 squad, with the aim of integrating the "Young Lilies" into men's football and preparing them for the professional game. Ahead of the season opener against CSC Kassel, Kurt discusses his development as a coach, his new role, and the importance of experienced leaders within the team.
On Saturday (August 1 at 2pm), SV Darmstadt 98 hosts the English second-division club Portsmouth and asks you to take note of the following information.
Around 8,500 kilometres separate Darmstadt and Seoul, while the Lilien will cover more than 12,000 kilometres during their 17 away matches in the 2026/27 second-division season—and sometimes, just a few laps on a 400-metre velodrome are enough to get a story moving. No matter how varied these distances may be, this week they all lead to the "Bölle." SV 98 is welcoming South Korean player Hojae Lee to Darmstadt; on Friday (July 31st) at 10am, the Lilien will unveil their new away kit for their travels across the country; and the "second 'second team'" looks back on a successful friendly match at a truly unique venue. "Lilies Across the Board" brings you all the latest news from life at SV 98.
SV 98 has found the reinforcement it was looking for to fill the centre-forward position. Hojae Lee is joining the club at the Böllenfalltor from the South Korean top-flight side Pohang Steelers.
It is worth heading to the "Bölle" even before kick-off for the Lilien's friendly match against Portsmouth FC on Saturday (August 1st): when the stadium opens at 12pm, the "Trinkhalle am Bölle" in the north wing of the main stand will celebrate its debut and open its doors to all stadium visitors.