Foto: Eibner 16.10.2025 / English
Thank you and all the best, Rüdiger Fritsch!
For the past 13 years, he has undoubtedly been the face of SV Darmstadt 98. Rüdiger Fritsch is no longer running for the position of president of the Lilien. The results of his tenure can be divided into three distinct areas: the sporting, the financial, and the structural. All three areas can no longer be compared to the state of the club in 2012, when Fritsch took over as successor to Hans Kessler.
Under Fritsch’s leadership, the club successfully transformed from a third-division team threatened by relegation to an ambitious second-division club, with highlights including promotions to the Bundesliga and staying there. Once plagued by debts running into millions, SV 98 now presents itself as a recovered and financially sound organisation. Under Fritsch’s leadership, the club’s revenue increased tenfold from just under five to almost 50 million euros. But the Lilies are no longer a small business, not only as taxpayers but also as employers, with around 350 employees now employed at and around the Böllenfalltor stadium, not just 80.
The progress on Nieder-Ramstädter Straße is particularly striking when looking at the stadium, which is now unrecognisable. No wonder, since SV 98 has invested heavily in “stone” in recent years: stadium reconstruction and renovation, functional buildings, training grounds and the Merck Youth Performance Center (NLZ) were the focus here.
Rüdiger Fritsch can now say goodbye with satisfaction to a position that has taken a great deal of energy: „It certainly wasn’t a constant party, but often a burden, definitely hard work and a lot of stress!“ He is now most looking forward to an improvement in his quality of life: „I will enjoy planning my leisure time and vacations without having to worry about the DFL schedule.“ His term on the DFL Supervisory Board has already ended, and the 64-year-old lawyer will continue his work as a commercial lawyer in a Frankfurt law firm.
Thus, Rüdiger Fritsch’s journey from former midfield mastermind of the then regional league team TSV Heusenstamm to a nationally successful professional football official is coming full circle. After a break he has already announced, he will certainly be seen in the stands at SV 98 games at Böllenfalltor in the future. Members and fans of the Lilies will surely shout „Thank you, Rüdiger!“ to him. He deserves it!
Text: Club History Report
Foto: Eibner 
Foto: Eibner 
Foto: Alfred Harder 
Foto: Eibner 
Foto: Eibner 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
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.
Analysis of the home victory: The resistance fighters from Bölle
A fast-paced, thrilling exchange between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf reached its ecstatic climax in the 88th minute. Thanks to Matej Maglica's header, Darmstadt secured a 2-1 victory in a wild battle that resembled a 12-round boxing match, with both sides neglecting their defences and constantly searching for the next hook or punch. A day later, sv98.de looks back on what was probably the most exciting home game of the season so far for the South Hessian side.
Krombacher Böllenfalltor GOAL bonus
For every home goal scored by the Lilies, SV Darmstadt 98 fans will be doubly rewarded in the 2025/26 season. In addition to the joy and excitement, the Lilies' supporters will also receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
„We held onto the belief in victory until the very end.“
In an intense 90 minutes between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf, the Lilies fought back to secure three points shortly before the final whistle. The early lead taken by the team from southern Hesse was quickly erased by the Rhinelanders. The match became increasingly wild and physical. The second half remained evenly contested, but in the end, SV 98 once again demonstrated their fighting spirit: Matej Maglica's late header sealed the three points. What do the players and the two head coaches have to say about this thrilling encounter? We've compiled all the post-match reactions.