As previously announced, SV Darmstadt 98 will use the combined international break in September and October for its planned club trip to San Antonio, Texas. The Lilien will visit Darmstadt’s sister city from September 25 through October 1 and will play a friendly match against partner club San Antonio FC on Tuesday, September 29. In addition to the sporting highlight, a variety of meetings and events await both the team and a delegation consisting of members of the club’s Executive Committee and management. As part of its premium partnership with SV 98, fusion energy company Focused Energy will serve as the main partner of the U.S. trip. In addition, the City of Darmstadt will conduct a business delegation trip to San Antonio from September 27 through October 1, 2026, led by Mayor Hanno Benz.
Markus Pfitzner, President of SV 98: “We are very excited that the two teams will now meet in a friendly that truly lives up to its name, marking another milestone in this special partnership. As part of the delegation that traveled to San Antonio in March of this year, I could sense in every encounter just how close the relationships have become over the two years since the partnership began.“
Pfitzner continues: Sports initially served as the connecting element and catalyst, but the partnership has since expanded well beyond that to include economic cooperation and social engagement. It is great to see that the City of Darmstadt, together with Mayor Hanno Benz, is also using our match as an opportunity to organize a business delegation trip to its sister city of San Antonio.”
Martin Kowalewski, Managing Director of SV 98: “Since the official cooperation agreement with Spurs Sports & Entertainment in July 2024, an exemplary international partnership has developed, involving numerous organizations, companies, and individuals who are deeply committed to it. It is impressive to see the projects we have already been able to carry out and the goals we have already achieved. That makes it all the more special that the vision of playing a friendly match in San Antonio is now becoming a reality. Naturally, the match will be the highlight of the trip, but I am equally excited about the extensive weeklong program, which, in addition to the sporting component, will provide valuable insights into the local economy and culture. It is a privilege to represent SV Darmstadt 98 in the United States, a key international market for the Bundesliga, as part of a partnership that has grown steadily and is actively embraced by everyone involved.”
Extensive Program
The match against San Antonio FC is scheduled for September 29 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Lilien will also hold training sessions at San Antonio FC’s facilities.
The program for the club’s stay in the Texas metropolis includes official receptions hosted by SV 98 and the City of San Antonio, extensive insights into the local economy and business community, as well as a number of cultural activities. Several meetings with San Antonio FC and Spurs Sports & Entertainment have also been arranged to facilitate knowledge sharing across a variety of areas.
The agenda also includes a meeting with representatives of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), along with attendance at a sporting event. In addition, SV 98 and San Antonio FC will carry out a joint community initiative during the visit.
SV 98 is working closely with the Bundesliga on its U.S. trip. As part of its broader international marketing strategy, the Bundesliga supports its clubs in increasing the league’s visibility around the world.