Foto: SV 98 09.07.2025 / English
United in style and history | Jersey premiere at Bölle
The Lilies face a storied duel in their summer preseason. On Wednesday (July 9th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 players will play a friendly against Notts County, the world's oldest professional club, at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The wait is also over: The new Lilies home jersey for the 2025/26 season has been released. During the friendly against Notts County, all Lilies fans will be able to see the new jersey live and in action for the first time. The jersey is also available now in fan shops and online. We report on this and other topics related to SV 98 in our weekly column "Lilien Across the Board."
+++ Traditional friendly match +++
This is pure football tradition at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor! On Wednesday (July 9th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will host Notts County FC, the world’s oldest professional football club, for a special friendly match. The English club, founded in 1862, brings not only their historical significance to the Böllenfalltor, but also a wealth of football passion from Nottingham. For the Lilies, meanwhile, it will be their first friendly match of this summer’s preseason in front of a home crowd at Böllenfalltor – and also the premiere of their new shirt. Against Notts County, SV 98 will wear their new home kit for the first time.
Tickets for the match will be available at the box office from 5:30pm and online at any time. To create a special atmosphere in the stadium, the visiting English fans will mingle with the Lilies fans in the A-Block.
+++ The new home jersey of the Lilies +++
United in style and history – this is the motto under which SV Darmstadt 98 presented its new home jersey for the 2025/26 season. The Lily-blue jersey combines artistic elements from Art Nouveau and Gothic styles with symbols of the city and the club. Fine embossing features, among others, the Wedding Tower, the church window of the founding church, the fleur-de-lis, and the coats of arms of the predecessor clubs. The collar and sleeves are adorned with a blue and white striped pattern, an embroidered fleur-de-lis sits on the chest, and the „Darmstadt“ lettering in Art Nouveau typography with the abbreviation „svd98“ above it is on the back.
HAIX and Suzuki complete the design in subtle blue and white as partners. The jersey is available online now. Starting Wednesday (July 9), it will also be available in the fan shops at Friedensplatz in Darmstadt’s city center and at the stadium. All buyers who purchase an adult jersey by July 22 can purchase the children’s jersey at half price.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 Home jersey scavenger hunt
For the launch of the new home jersey, SV Darmstadt 98 had something very special planned for its fans: As part of an elaborate scavenger hunt, fans could exclusively acquire the jersey on a moving tram, which was completely designed in the look of the new Lilien jersey. The first ten Lilien fans to say the code word „Jugendstil“ upon boarding received the new jersey for free. The tram was filled within a very short time, and the coveted free jerseys were sold out just as quickly. Many thanks to all Lilien fans who participated in this campaign!
+++ Groundhoppers beware! +++
On Friday (July 12th, 6pm), it will be both nostalgic and passionate: Fan team. Summer. Football. Bürgerparkstadion! For the friendly against VfL Michelstadt’s second team, the „second team“ of SV Darmstadt 98 returns to a place steeped in sports history: the Bürgerparkstadion Darmstadt-Nord.
Since 1978, this stadium has been a stage for athletics and football in Darmstadt. With a capacity of around 6,000 seats, it is idyllically located in the countryside, right in the middle of Bürgerpark-Nord. Thanks to its excellent connections by public transport and car, it is easily accessible for all fans. The genuine stadium atmosphere, combined with the typical Heiner mentality, gives this game a very special charm. Equipped with a grandstand, numerous standing areas, and an athletics track, the stadium offers the perfect backdrop for an exciting evening of football.
+++ Your type is in demand! +++
According to Malteser Deutschland, between 14,000 and 15,000 blood donations are needed every day. These are essential for blood transfusions, which are necessary for many vital surgeries and the treatment of chronic diseases. Blood cannot be produced artificially, which is why blood donations are so important. To mark the occasion, the Lilies, together with the German Red Cross Blood Donation Service, are organising a blood donation event at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. This event will take place on Thursday (July 10) from 3pm to 8pm. Please book a free appointment in advance.
+++ U21's start preparation +++
SV Darmstadt 98’s first team isn’t the only team starting the new season: the U21 team has also begun preparations for the 2025/26 season. After a successful debut season in the LOTTO Hessenliga, the cards are being reshuffled.
The South Hesse team lost their first friendly of the season on Saturday (July 5th) against the top-flight Rhineland-Palatinate side VfR Wormatia Worms. U21 coach Daniel Petrowsky’s team lost 5-2 on home turf. The next friendly is just around the corner: On Saturday (July 12th, 1pm), the SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team will play at home against TSV 1881 Gau-Odernheim.
The U21 test matches at a glance:
| Date | Match | Result |
| Saturday (05.07/1pm) | SV 98 U21 – VfR Wormatia Worms | 2-5 |
| Saturday (12.07/1pm) | SV 98 U21 – TSV 1881 Gau-Odernheim | |
| Wednesday (16.07/7pm) | FSV Hollenbach – SV 98 U21 | |
| Friday (18.07/7.30pm) | SV 98 U21 – SV Fürth | |
| Saturday (26.07/3pm) | SV 98 U21 – TuS Hornau |
+++ Five Lilies, five days of honour +++
July remains a month full of joy and special occasions for the Lilies. After we have already pointed out in „Lilien Across the Board“ last week, we continue to celebrate this week.
Rüdiger Fritsch (64 Years Old)
On Thursday (July 10th), we warmly congratulate our president, Rüdiger Fritsch, on his 64th birthday. Fritsch has been at the helm of the sports club since 2012 and has significantly shaped SV 98 during this time: from promotion from the 3rd division to the Bundesliga, from sporting success to the infrastructural development around the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The completion of the stadium renovation, including the new main stand, office, function building, and fan shop, is closely linked to his presidency. Dear President, we thank you and wish you all the best, good health, and a wonderful birthday!
Fabian Holland (35 Years Old)
One day later, on Friday (July 11th), Fabian Holland celebrates his 35th birthday. „Fabi“ has been an integral part of the Lilien family for ten years – initially on loan, then permanently signed in 2015. During this time, he experienced emotional highs and lows with SV 98, including two Bundesliga promotions. We congratulate you, dear Fabi, from the bottom of our hearts and are looking forward to seeing you back on the field after a long injury layoff!
Oliver Posniak (68 Years Old)
Just one day later, on Saturday (July 12th), Oliver Posniak, a Lilien legend, celebrates his 68th birthday. In his nine years at SV 98, the former midfielder made an impressive 342 competitive appearances – to this day, he ranks third on the club’s all-time appearance list. Having joined from FSV Frankfurt in 1980, Posniak celebrated promotion to the Bundesliga with the team, wore the Lilien jersey in the top division, and later even took over the captaincy. We thank you for your contributions and wish you a very happy birthday, dear Oliver!
Serhat-Semih Güler (28 Years Old)
The eventful birthday week concludes with our new striker Serhat-Semih Güler, who celebrates his 28th birthday on Saturday (July 12th) alongside Oliver Posniak. Güler progressed through the youth ranks of Fortuna Düsseldorf and Bayer Leverkusen before beginning his professional career at Fortuna Köln in 2019. His career took him from Hansa Rostock to TSV 1860 Munich in the winter of 2024, initially for six months, before moving to Viktoria Köln in the summer. There, the attacker was in goal-scoring form, scoring an impressive 19 goals in 40 appearances in the 3. Liga and the Mittelrhein Regional Cup. Dear Semih, we warmly welcome you to Darmstadt, wish you much success with the Lilies, and of course, a happy birthday!
Alexander Brunst (30 Years Old)
Darmstadt goalkeeper Alexander Brunst also had a good reason to celebrate this week: The keeper celebrated his 30th birthday on Monday (July 7th). The Hamburg native began his professional career at Hamburger SV. After playing for VfL Wolfsburg’s reserve team, 1. FC Magdeburg, and a stint abroad with Vejle BK in Denmark, Brunst finally landed at SVD in 2022. We wish you all the best, too!
Defeat with Heart
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.
Jonathan-Heimes-Platz officially opened
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.
Running together to do good: “Run for ME/CFS”
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.
Still undefeated
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.
“Our belief in this path is immense.”
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.
Outnumbered: Lilies Lose to 96ers
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.
Team News: Three Changes in the Starting XI
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before the Hannover Game
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"
Transfer News: Mikelbrencis strengthens SV 98
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.
“I’d be up for it”
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.
Opposition Check: Hannover 96
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.
