Norderstedt is fighting for DFB Cup: St. Pauli in Millerntor as a solution!

Norderstedt is fighting for DFB Cup: St. Pauli in Millerntor as a solution!

Norderstedt, Deutschland - A small club with great ambitions: Eintracht Norderstedt from the Regionalliga Nord meets the renowned Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli in the first round of the DFB Cup. The pairing was drawn less than 24 hours ago, and the conversations are already hot to secure an optimal edition. Philipp Koch, midfielder of the Norderstedter, has already shown that the home advantage will probably be handed over to the Kiezkicker. The reason? The dilapidated Edmund-Plambeck Stadium, which only offers space for 2,000 spectators, while it could actually hold 5,000. [NDR reports that ...] (https://www.ndr.de/sport/fussball/dfb-pokal-norderstedt-st-st-millernntor-fale-laufen, dfbpokal758.html)

In order to do justice to the audience, Norderstedt's managing director Finn Spitzer and his team check various alternatives. An issue in the Millerntor Stadium, the home stadium of St. Pauli, would be a tangible solution and could significantly increase both the number of spectators and the income. The conversations with the city of Norderstedt, FC St. Pauli and also HSV are already in full swing. If there is actually an exchange of home rights, this would only be possible with the consent of the German Football Association (DFB).

challenges in the domestic stadium

The Edmund Plambeck Stadium from Norderstedt is not only struggling with a low capacity. Even the required television cameras could not be installed, which would significantly impair the DFB's transmission guidelines. This bitterly means that the exciting encounters do not achieve the reach and awareness they deserve. [Image indicates that…] (https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/fc-st-pauli-pokal-derby- against-norderstedt-am-millernntor-684fc9ee858611e276447cc)

Norderstedt has to report a positive aspect: The team has received a fixed premium of 210,000 euros for participating in the DFB Cup. Part of this sum is expected to flow into the rent for the Millerntor Stadium, should an agreement be reached. This could lead to a bit of air even in difficult times.

A look into the past: exchange home rights

home right exchange campaigns are not new in the DFB Cup. Already in the 2020/21 season there was a similar scenario when Norderstedt played against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bayarena - a regulation that was then made on the basis of Corona. Norderstedt had to set good reasons and the approval of the DFB. This exchanging campaign, just like back then, could prove itself as a clever decision. [SPOX reports that…] (https://www.spox.com/fussball/news/erste-runde-darum-s-die-amateur-vereine-heimrecht- exchanged/5378016)

In the coming days, it will be shown whether the clubs can find a mutually acceptable solution. For Norderstedt, a game in the Millerntor Stadium would not only be an easy way to win more spectators, but also an opportunity to present themselves in the big football world and to set an example in front of local fans. The anticipation for this duel is noticeable, and fans of both camps can only hope that there will soon be clarity.