General meeting discusses new stands and fan participation
SV Darmstadt 98 is considering further expansion of the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Modernizing the south stand and possibly also the north stand could increase the spectator capacity to around 20,000 seats. This was announced at the general meeting of members on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. More than 400 club members attended the meeting in the sports hall at Böllenfalltor. In addition to the stadium plans, the agenda included the club's financial situation, personnel decisions, and awards.
The club closed the 2025/2026 financial year with a small profit on a turnover of €48.08 million. At the same time, President Markus Pfitzner made it clear that those in charge are not satisfied with the current sporting performance.
The south stand could have more than 5,000 seats
A key topic at the members' meeting was the potential future development of the Merck Stadium. Following initial discussions with the relevant authorities, a renovation of the south stand, and possibly also the north stand, appears to be fundamentally feasible. However, a final decision has not yet been made.
Vice President Arnd Zinnhardt presented initial considerations. According to these, the south stand could be replaced by a new concrete structure offering more than 5,000 standing and seated places. An additional business area is also being considered. The interests of the fans will be taken into account in the planning.
The north stand is planned to have a capacity of around 3,500 seats. In the future, both home and away fans could be accommodated there.
Moving the away section to the north stand would have an impact on the current stadium layout: The opposite stand could then be fully available to the supporters of SV Darmstadt 98.
Overall, the capacity of the Böllenfalltor stadium would increase to approximately 20,000 spectators if the plans are implemented.
Fans could contribute financially to the stadium
It remains unclear how a potential renovation could be financed. In addition to grants from the city of Darmstadt and the state of Hesse, the club is exploring a participation model for fans, members, and sponsors.
One possibility is the formation of a cooperative, whose shares could be acquired. The revenue would contribute to financing the stadium project. The club aims to keep the amount of traditional debt financing as low as possible in this way.
Initial exploratory talks regarding public funding have already taken place.
Darmstadt's mayor Hanno Benz expressed his confidence during the members' meeting: "I am very optimistic that the city, the state and the association will be able to secure financing together."
Benz emphasized that the city would not shirk its responsibility and pledged Darmstadt's support to the club.
Costs and start of construction are still completely open
Despite initial considerations, the project is still in an early planning phase. Neither the total costs nor potential construction dates have been determined yet. The final feasibility and specific design of the stands also still need to be examined.
In the coming weeks and months, the club plans to hold further discussions with experts, including fans and members. Additional information regarding the potential cooperative model will also follow.
President Markus Pfitzner emphasized that the stadium expansion must contribute to the long-term development of the club.
“We want to enable more people to experience the Lilies at the Böllenfalltor stadium so that the club as a whole can continue to grow,” Pfitzner explained. The top priority remains financial stability.
SV Darmstadt 98 achieves small profit
Chief Financial Officer Anne Baumann presented the members with the key economic figures for the financial year from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
With a turnover of 48.08 million euros, the club generated a profit after taxes of 0.05 million euros, corresponding to approximately 50,000 euros.
Equity amounted to 26.16 million euros at the end of the financial year.
SV Darmstadt 98 thus concluded the financial year with a positive result, although the surplus was small in relation to the turnover.
Pfitzner criticizes the sporting rollercoaster ride
In addition to future economic projects, the club management was also concerned with the current sporting situation.
President Markus Pfitzner expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's fluctuating performances.
“We are not satisfied with the current sporting development, which at the moment resembles a rollercoaster ride,” he explained.
Stabilizing sporting performance is therefore the top priority. At the same time, the club must think beyond the current season and push forward with long-term projects.
This also includes the courage to take new paths that suit SV Darmstadt 98 and enable sustainable development.
Changes in the Board of Directors and Council of Elders
Several personnel decisions were made at the members' meeting.
The members confirmed Frank Friedrich Grossmann, Felix Hotz, Andrea Petkovic, Markus Rusam, Mitsch Schulz and Frank Wahl for the board of directors.
Martin Güldenberg and Thomas Schmidt resigned from the committee at their own request and were given a farewell.
There were also changes to the council of elders. The body can now consist of up to four members. Furthermore, a regulation for filling vacancies during the current term of office was adopted.
Wolfgang Arnold and Prof. Dr. Thomas Spengler were elected to replace the outgoing Peter Schmidt and to fill the newly created additional seat until the next election in 2027. Together with Gerda Krüger and Jürgen Pforr, they will form the Council of Elders.
Furthermore, the incompatibility rules for club offices in the statutes were adapted to the changed requirements of the licensing procedure.
Fabian Holland appointed honorary captain
Long-time captain Fabian Holland received a special honor. At the request of the board, the members decided to appoint him honorary captain of SV Darmstadt 98.
The decision was met with great applause.
Further awards were presented to Peter Schmidt and Ernst Hinkel. Both were appointed honorary members for their long-standing service to the club. Hinkel had led the table tennis department of SV Darmstadt 98 for many years.
The most important figures and facts
General Meeting: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Participants: More than 400 club members
Fiscal year: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026
Revenue: 48.08 million euros
Profit after taxes: 50,000 euros
Equity capital: 26.16 million euros
Planned stadium capacity: approximately 20,000 spectators
Possible new south stand: more than 5,000 standing and seated places
Possible new north stand: approximately 3,500 seats for home and away fans
Financing: Public subsidies, possible cooperative model and other financing options
Total costs and start of construction: still open
Special honor: Fabian Holland appointed honorary captain
(DARMSTADT – RED/SV98)
