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:
Season tickets for the 2026/27 season: All information is available here!
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Disappointment & pride
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.