Charity game in Rostock: Legends kicked for new floodlight masts!

Charity game in Rostock: Legends kicked for new floodlight masts!

On September 5, 2025, an extraordinary charity game took place in Rostock's Ostseestadion, which was dedicated to supporting the stadium's new floodlight system. Over 20,000 spectators experienced an exciting match between former Hansa legends and celebrities, organized by Hansa icon Stefan Beinlich and the Rostock-born rapper Marteria, among others. Proceeds from this event will be used to refinance the reconstruction of the iconic floodlight towers that have illuminated the stadium for more than 55 years. [NDR] reports that the old lighting system, which was inaugurated in 1970, will lose its operating license by the end of the year.

The new floodlight system, costing around three million euros, will be built high next to the existing masts. Construction work has been underway since the groundbreaking ceremony in February 2025, and assembly of the new floodlight masts began in July 2025. Hansa fans took part in the “Together for the floodlight masts!” fundraising campaign. collected over 235,000 euros to support this project. Although political applications for guarantees have so far been unsuccessful, the fan scene is impressively showing its solidarity with posters in the stadium stands demanding: “Preserve Rostock's landmarks – together for the floodlight masts!” [Image] gives a detailed insight into the construction progress.

The Game of Legends

Numerous former Hansa players appeared at the charity game, including Steffen Baumgart, Thomas Doll, Oliver Neuville and decades-long Hansa professional Juri Schlünz. For Stefan Beinlich, this meeting was more than just a game – he felt “like he was at a class reunion.” Unfortunately, German world champion Lukas Podolski, who was originally scheduled to play in the game, canceled at short notice. Despite his absence, the event was able to boast support from numerous other ex-professionals and special guests such as chef Tim Mälzer and DJ WestBam [Sportschau].

The support of the fan base is overwhelming and cannot be overlooked. FC Hansa Rostock decided in 2019 to faithfully recreate the old floodlight masts, which the fans consider to be a true landmark of their city. These high masts, which rise 56 meters above the turf and weigh around 34 tons, are intended to illuminate the stadium with new light and preserve a piece of history [NDR].

A look into the future

With the commissioning of the new floodlight masts, another chapter will open for FC Hansa Rostock. The old masts will be demolished on September 17, 2025, after the club's last home game of the season. However, the new masts are already ready and are the result of a lengthy process. As soon as the assembly is completed, the Ostseestadion will shine in new splendor [image].

The club is optimistic that this investment will not only improve the matchday experience for fans, but also contribute to the club's identity. In these days of reorganization, the solidarity in the Hansa fan scene is noticeably strengthened - and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for the traditional club.