Hans-Kessler curve unveiled during the official opening of Merck Stadium
The Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor, home to the German football club SV Darmstadt 98, recently welcomed a new addition - the Hans-Kessler-Tribune. This stand, named in honour of Hans Kessler, a prominent figure in the club's history, was inaugurated before the match against SC Paderborn 07.
Hans Kessler, a former chairman or benefactor of SV Darmstadt 98, was celebrated for his significant contributions to the club. At the inauguration ceremony, he expressed his gratitude towards the club members who participated in the naming process of the Hans-Kessler-Tribune.
The Hans-Kessler-Tribune is a symbol of the club's past, present, and future. It incorporates design elements that remind fans of the path SV Darmstadt 98 has taken in recent history, including old standing terraces, wave barriers, and a Dugena clock from the pre-construction era. The tribune offers seating for 28 standing spectators, making it an integral part of the stadium where fans gather to support the team.
The Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor, with a capacity of 17,810 spectators, has been the club's home for decades. The stands or tribunes are commonly named to honour important individuals or sponsors linked to the club's legacy and financial support. The naming of the Hans-Kessler-Tribune is part of this tradition, recognising Kessler's importance to SV Darmstadt 98's history and fan culture.
The tribune can be booked by fan groups, members, and business partners on a matchday basis. Catering is included in the booking, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees. The SV Darmstadt 98 president, Rüdiger Fritsch, expressed pride in the name and design of the Hans-Kessler-Tribune, stating that there could be no better name for the stand that symbolises the club's commitment to its heritage and the values it upholds.
Despite the loss of 0:1 to SC Paderborn 07 in the inaugural match, the Hans-Kessler-Tribune stands as a testament to the club's enduring spirit and local identity. As the club continues its journey, the Hans-Kessler-Tribune serves as a reminder of the past, inspiring fans and players alike to shape the future with the wisdom of knowing the club's history.
Hans Kessler, the former chairman or benefactor of SV Darmstadt 98, has contributed significantly to the club's history, and his name now adorns one of the tribunes at The Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor, home to European football leagues. The Hans-Kessler-Tribune offers seating for 28 standing spectators and celebrates the club's past and present, incorporating design elements that remind fans of its journey through European football.
