Elversberg celebrate the start of a new season
One week before the league begins, SV Elversberg welcome Fortuna Sittard for a test match and their season opener. Fans can expect a day brimming with football, family fun and anticipation for the new second-division season.
A week before the start of the new second-division season, SV Elversberg are getting ready to kick things off in terms of both sport and atmosphere. At their friendly game against Dutch first-division team Fortuna Sittard on Saturday 26 July, the URSAPHARM Arena will become not just a pitch, but also the heart of a big event: bearing the title ‘DIE ELV x energis – season opener’, the club is inviting fans to come and enjoy a programme of events offering much more than just football. These plans show that SVE want to make the start of the season a community experience with a clear focus on family friendliness, closeness to the team, and interaction.
The programme of events begins at 10:30 a.m. and stretches from the stadium car park to the newly erected Sparkassen west stand. For this occasion, the car park will primarily be used as an event space – cushioned by an additional park-and-ride service from Heinitz. A shuttle service will provide a half-hourly connection between the site and the arena, allowing fans to reach the venue easily regardless of the parking situation. A wide range of fun awaits visitors young and old: football darts, goal-shooting contest, human table football, a speed check and plenty of other opportunities to take part, providing sport and exercise in a fun atmosphere. The players from the women’s team will be actively involved, strengthening the bond between the professional teams and the fans.
One key element is the involvement of collaborative partners, especially energis, who will be pairing the sporting side with traditional family entertainment – including bouncy castles, face painting and a coconut shy. Mascot Paul will also be out and about, providing a highlight for lots of kids. Visitors to the energis lounge will be able to test their gaming skills against SVE’s e-athletes. The range of culinary options will be similarly broad: numerous food and drink stands will provide sustenance, including a Heartbar Saarbrücken stand offering refreshing long drinks.
The SV Elversberg fan shop will be open for the start of the event. It will remain open as normal until kick-off at 1:30 p.m., then once again after the match finishes until 6 p.m. This provides two opportunities for anyone wanting to stock up on new fan items for the upcoming season. Stadium doors open at 12:30 p.m. Shortly before the match, the team and coaching team will be officially presented on the pitch – a symbolic prelude putting the sporting part of the day front and centre. This test match against Fortuna Sittard offers an opportunity to gain some final insights before the official season starts and to see the new additions in their home stadium for the first time.
However, the community feel will not end with the final whistle. The participation stands will remain open, food and drink will still be available, and DJ ¥alla will provide musical accompaniment with his internationally tried-and-tested repertoire. The team will also still be around: after a short breather, they will be back to sign autographs for an hour in the event area. This means that fans of all ages will have an opportunity to meet them in person, take photos and get autographs – something that will set kids’ hearts racing and also strengthen ties between the team and their supporters.
Tickets for the event are available online, with presales beginning on 14 July at 6 p.m. The box office will also be open on the day. The pricing structure takes a family-friendly approach: children under six go free, standing places for young people begin at just three euros, and full-paying adults pay nine euros. Seated places on the main stand cost twelve euros at full price. Discounts are available for school pupils, students, pensioners, people with disabilities and season ticket holders.
With this season opener event, SV Elversberg is presenting itself not just as an ambitious second-division team, but also a club where community and participation are key. This day on Kaiserlinde should serve as a foretaste of a season shaped by both sporting events and a feeling of togetherness.