SV 98 has taken important steps to ensure the future viability of its youth academy: Next year, the club will construct a new modular building at the Merck Youth Performance Center (NLZ) on Kastanienallee. The facilities for youth players and the administration will replace the existing container complex. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with completion expected by summer of next year.
The new home on Kastanienallee is intended to underline the importance of youth development at SV 98.
President Markus Pfitzner: “The construction of the new functional building demonstrates SV 98’s commitment to further expanding its youth development program. The new facility on Kastanienallee will offer more modern facilities for players, coaches, and staff, underscoring the importance of youth development at SV 98. The State of Hesse, the City of Darmstadt, and the Hessian State Sports Federation are making a significant contribution to this project through their financial support.”
Once completed, the two-story building will house a total of seven changing rooms, complete with showers, restrooms, and technical equipment. The functional building will also provide administrative offices and meeting rooms for the youth academy staff.
The anticipated construction costs, currently out for tender, will amount to approximately €1.5 million net. Additional costs for equipment and ancillary construction expenses will be in the low six-figure range. The project is supported by public funding: the City of Darmstadt is contributing €605,000, the State of Hesse €200,000, and the Hessian State Sports Federation €19,500. The official grant notifications were presented this morning (November 6th) by Digital Minister Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus and Mayor and Head of Sports Hanno Benz at a press conference held at the Merck Youth Performance Center. SV 98 first announced the plans at its recent 2025 Annual General Meeting.
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
