05.02.2025 / English
“Sign of the importance of SV 98 in the city and region”
On Tuesday evening (February 4th) football met culture: This year's New Year's Reception of the Lilies took place for the first time in the Darmstadt State Theater. Where theater and music pieces were usually performed, this time almost 700 invited guests from politics, sport and partners and sponsors came together to get in the mood for 2025.
After various classical musical performances and first words from State Theater director Karsten Wiegand, Rüdiger Fritsch also welcomed the guests on stage. „Many thanks to the State Theater for allowing us to celebrate this evening in this wonderful ambience,“ said the Lilien President: „The fact that almost 700 guests have gathered here today is a sign of the importance of SV 98 in the city and the region. It is a clear signal of the attractiveness, strength and togetherness that has characterised our club for years. Let us start a year full of tasks and opportunities together!“
We have to think creatively, innovatively and future-oriented
Against the background of the presence of partners and sponsors, Fritsch also looked at SV 98’s economic challenges: „The spread is getting bigger and bigger, which means that we have to think very, very creatively, innovatively and very future-oriented – not only on the playing field, but also in relation to economic issues.“
Nevertheless, the 63-year-old is “completely optimistic” about the future: “Our task will be to continue to establish our club in professional football and to secure our position, both sportingly and economically. The pillars of our club and the pillars of our success are and remain our loyal fans, our partners and the sponsors.”
Lily professionals sold raffle tickets for a good cause
This was followed by interviews with the sporting decision-makers at SV 98. Stadium spokesman Colin Mahnke, who led the evening, talked to sports director Paul Fernie and head coach Florian Kohfeldt, while his players mingled with the crowd to sell tickets for a good cause with a mix of mischievous charm and sales skills.
The evening ended with live music and networking in a relaxed and relaxed atmosphere. The SV 98 would like to thank everyone present for a wonderful evening and looks forward to tackling the year 2025 with all partners and sponsors.
Pictures from the Evening:
Lack of context
More than 30,000 fans packed the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, creating an impressive atmosphere under the floodlights – pure football romance. The setting for Darmstadt's away match against Dynamo Dresden was truly special. Two teams with a playful and attacking approach faced off. For 42 minutes, these ingredients combined to create an entertaining, tactically sophisticated, and intense duel. Until a referee's decision decisively influenced the outcome. We look back on an emotional evening in Dresden.
„The referee decided the game today.“
After 13 unbeaten second-division matches, SV Darmstadt 98 suffered their first defeat this Friday evening. Three unfortunate minutes just before halftime, during which Patric Pfeiffer was sent off and Vincent Vermeij scored twice, paved the way for Dresden's victory. After the match, the focus was primarily on the differing assessments of two very similar incidents by the refereeing team – incidents which both coaches subsequently evaluated identically.
Undefeated streak ends
For the first time since October, Darmstadt 98 finished a league match without any points: SV 98 lost 3-1 (2-0) to SG Dynamo Dresden. After a controversial red card against Patric Pfeiffer (42nd minute), the home side scored two goals in first-half stoppage time to secure the victory.
Team News: Three Changes to the Team
Under the floodlights at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadium. On Friday evening (February 27th/6:30pm), Darmstadt 98 will play away against Dynamo Dresden. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting eleven. Raoul Petretta makes his first start, replacing Fabian Holland. Luca Marseiler starts in place of the suspended Marco Richter, and Hiroki Akiyama replaces Fraser Hornby, who is sidelined with a thigh injury. Fabian Nürnberger, Matthias Bader, and Bartosz Bialek remain unavailable due to injury.
Matchday Guide: All Information for the Dresden Game
A floodlit match at the Rudolf-Haribig-Stadion is always something special. Darmstadt 98 are aiming to take three points back to southern Hesse this Friday evening (February 27th). Kick-off is at 6:30pm. All the important information about the 24th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga is clearly summarised for you in our "Matchday Guide".
Facts & Stats: The top facts about the Dresden game
Darmstadt 98 aim to extend their unbeaten run to 14 games in Friday evening's match against Dynamo Dresden. While Darmstadt's potent attack has resulted in a respectable goal tally, they are wary at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. The Saxons have been on an upward trend since the winter break and will have a vociferous home crowd behind them. We've compiled all the facts and figures surrounding this clash in this report. Here you'll find the key facts for tomorrow's match.
Fan Information for the Dresden Game
Darmstadt and Dresden are 598 kilometres apart. On Friday evening (February 27th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will travel to the Saxon capital for the 24th matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga. The next away game will take place under the floodlights at the historic Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. You can find all relevant fan information here.
„Pure football romance“
Before SV Darmstadt 98 plays under floodlights in Dresden on Friday evening (27.02/18.30), Florian Kohfeldt spoke at the press conference about the strengths of Dynamo Dresden and the special atmosphere in the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.
“Now I’m happy in Darmstadt!” | Lilies launch their 5th tree planting campaign
Raoul Petretta joined SV Darmstadt 98 in the winter and already feels very much at home. He talks about his arrival and his goals. Besides their sporting focus, the Lilies are also committed to sustainability: On March 15, 2026, over 3,500 trees will be planted as part of the fifth "In the Sign of the Lily" tree-planting campaign. In our "Lilies Across the Board" section, we provide you with the most important news from SV Darmstadt 98 every week.
Opposition Check: SG Dynamo Dresden
Numerous Dynamo Dresden fans flock to the stadium on home match days. But one day, they came for a single reason: What should their stadium be called in the future? Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in front of the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, ready to cast their votes. In cooperation with regional partners, Dynamo Dresden's management took the unusual step of letting the club's supporters decide for themselves.
5th Tree Planting Campaign: Register now!
WirLilien – Together for nature conservation! Together with our partner Krombacher, we will once again plant more than 3,500 trees on Sunday (March 15th) – under the banner of the Lily. You can still register for the event at short notice.
U21: With renewed energy into the rest of the season
On Friday (February 27th, 7:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team begins the second phase of their Hessenliga season. With 23 points after 20 matchdays, the Lilies are currently in 14th place. Following intensive weeks of winter training, the team aims to start the upcoming challenges with renewed energy and secure crucial points.