As part of the Darmstadt delegation’s visit to Texas, representatives from the municipal government, the business community, and the innovation sectors of both sister cities gathered at the City Tower to discuss their respective economic and technological potential. The meeting was prompted by the friendly match between SV 98 and its partner club, San Antonio FC, and the team’s associated stay in Texas. The Lilien (as the club is known) leveraged the relationships they have cultivated over recent years to act as a connecting link between Darmstadt and San Antonio.
During the event, representatives from Darmstadt met with officials from the City of San Antonio, as well as representatives from greater:SATX (the regional economic development organisation) and Geekdom (a start-up and innovation network). Lilien President Markus Pfitzner described the club’s role in this exchange as that of a „bridge-builder“: „We are delighted to be here and to take this opportunity to act, in a sense, as matchmakers. The two cities share many commonalities, including in terms of economic development. In sports, we talk about acting together as a single team. That exact mindset applies to this exchange as well,“ said Pfitzner. He noted that sports can frequently serve as an „icebreaker,“ bringing people together for conversation.
For their part, the Darmstadt participants showcased the „City of Science’s“ unique research and innovation landscape. They highlighted key areas such as aerospace, technology, start-ups, and knowledge transfer between academia and industry. Meanwhile, the hosts presented San Antonio’s economic development and identified potential areas for collaboration, such as cybersecurity, aerospace, manufacturing, and innovation.
Further opportunities for exchange will arise in the coming days—including the official reception hosted by the Lilien at the Monarch Hotel and the friendly match against their partner club, San Antonio FC. In these instances, too, SV 98 is once again acting as a matchmaker.
It was a pleasure, San Antonio!
The Lilien will be in San Antonio from September 25th to October 1st. In this USA diary, we will keep you updated on the trip and SV 98's experiences.
2026 Fair Play Award hosted by the Lilies
On Monday (September 28th), SV Darmstadt 98 hosted the LOTTO Hessen Fair Play Award ceremony at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor for the first time. During the event, long-time captain Aytaç Sulu was named a Fair Play Ambassador.
Starting Friday: Member pre-sale for Elversberg
On Tuesday (October 27th), the Lilien will visit SV Elversberg at 8:45pm. Advance ticket sales for club members begin on Friday, October 2, at 12pm.
Sulu becomes Fair Play Ambassador | Böllenfalltorhalle goes wild
A fair-play award featuring Lilies legend Aytaç Sulu, Headis action at the Böllenfalltorhalle, and a successful Lilies team marathon—there is plenty happening at SV 98 beyond the day-to-day routine of the second division. Plus, there are updates on the fan convoy to Nürnberg and ticket sales for the home match against FC St. Pauli. As always, "Lilies Across the Board" brings you all the latest news and stories from life at SV Darmstadt 98.
Lilien Journeying Together
Lilien convoy to Nuremberg! SV 98 is picking up fans from across the Lilien region right from their doorsteps to travel to Franconia with the greatest possible support.
Lilien visit Focused Energy in Austin
During their stay in Texas, Volker Harr and Arnd Zinnhardt visited the Austin site of premium partner Focused Energy. At the US branch of the Darmstadt-based company, the two vice presidents gained insight into Focused Energy’s operations and its research into a technology that could make a significant contribution to the future energy supply in the long term.
Matchday!
The Lilien will be in San Antonio from September 25 to October 1. In this USA diary, we will keep you updated on the trip and SV 98's experiences.
Seven goals against partner club
A fitting victory for the Lilies: SV 98 prevailed 7–0 (4–0) against San Antonio FC. Lee, Smit (twice), Duijvestijn, Kehl, El Kadiri, and Herbst scored for the South Hessian side.
An Evening Among Friends
On the eve of a very special friendly match, SV Darmstadt 98 brought together—once again, in San Antonio—all those people who have breathed life into the connection between Darmstadt and its Texan sister city over the past few years.
Late penalty stuns Young Lilies
SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team suffered a 3 – 2 (2–2) defeat against FC Bayern Alzenau in the Hessenliga. In a hard-fought match, the Lilies took an early lead and created several chances to score a third goal, particularly after the break. A late penalty ultimately put the visitors on the path to victory.
Successful second edition of the Lilien Team Marathon
Clocking up kilometres together, experiencing team spirit, and crossing the finish line at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor: the second edition of the Lilien Team Marathon took place on Sunday (September 27). Runners of all ages took to the starting line for various distances around the "Bölle" stadium. For every participant in the adult races, SV Darmstadt 98 is donating one euro to the "Run for ME/CFS" initiative. The initiative is driven by a group of dedicated Lilien fans who aim to raise awareness of the chronic illness ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and advocate for those affected by it.