Merck Stadium welcomes the unveiling of the Hans-Kessler curve
On Sunday, the 26th, the Hans-Kessler-Curve officially made its grand entrance at the Böllenfalltor's Merck Stadium, joining the venue's impressive lineup. The Lilies, our cherished home team, celebrated the curve's inauguration alongside its namesake, Hans Kessler, and the SPD's Hanno Benz, the city's mayor.
Hanno Benz, our city's savvy SPD politician, couldn't think of a more fitting name for this badass piece of stadium real estate. Our Mr. Kessler, an esteemed honorary president of the club, expressed gratitude to the passionate fans who played a crucial role in deciding the curve's name. Hans asserted that the curve stands for "carving your future with a solid grasp of history."
Rüdiger Fritsch, our club's fearless president, echoed his pride in the curve's legacy-enshrining design: "The nostalgic standing terraces, wave barriers, and the Dugena clock – a timepiece that harkens back to the stone-cold era – serve as a humbling reminder of our club's past, without compromising on our values and ideals."
Built towards the tail end of July 2024, the Hans-Kessler-Curve can host a raucous crowd of 28 standing spectators. Fan groups, members, and even corporate partners can snag a piece of this action on matchdays, with seating and catering available. The stadium's max capacity remains pegged at 17,810 fans.
Sadly, on this particular day, Darmstadt suffered a heartbreaking 0:1 defeat against SC Paderborn 07. The day, however, wasn't all so black and blue – after all, team newcomer Jean-Paul Boëtius made his first appearance on the roster!
Hans-Kessler-Curve, the newly constructed stadium feature, marked its debut alongside European leagues like football and other sports. Hanno Benz, the city's SPD politician, was particularly impressed by the curve's name, which was decided by passionate fans, as it symbolized "carving your future with a solid grasp of history."
