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

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

A small club with big 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 discussions are already heating up to ensure an optimal venue. Philipp Koch, midfielder for Norderstedter, has already indicated that the home advantage will probably be handed over to the Kiezkickers. The reason? The dilapidated Edmund Plambeck Stadium, which can only accommodate 2,000 spectators when it could actually hold 5,000. NDR reports that ...

In order to do justice to the audience, Norderstedt's managing director Finn Spitzer and his team are examining various alternatives. Hosting the event at the Millerntor Stadium, St. Pauli's home stadium, would be a tangible solution and could significantly increase both spectator numbers and revenue. Discussions with the city of Norderstedt, FC St. Pauli and HSV are already in full swing. Should there actually be an exchange of home rights, this would only be possible with the consent of the German Football Association (DFB).

Challenges in the home stadium

The Edmund Plambeck Stadium in Norderstedt is not only struggling with low capacity. The required television cameras may also not be able to be installed, which would severely affect the DFB's broadcast guidelines. Unfortunately, this means that the exciting encounters do not achieve the reach and notoriety that they deserve. Bild points out that ...

However, Norderstedt has one positive aspect to report: the team received a fixed bonus of 210,000 euros for taking part in the DFB Cup. Part of this sum will probably go towards the rent for the Millerntor Stadium if an agreement is reached. This could give the club some breathing room even in difficult times.

A look into the past: swapping home advantage

Home advantage exchanges are not new in the DFB Cup. A similar scenario already occurred in the 2020/21 season when Norderstedt played against Bayer Leverkusen in the BayArena - a regulation that was made at the time due to Corona. Norderstedt had to rely on valid reasons and the approval of the DFB. So, just like back then, this swap could prove to be a wise decision again. Spox reports that ...

The coming days will show whether the clubs can find an amicable solution. For Norderstedt, a game at the Millerntor Stadium would not only be an easy way to attract more spectators, but also a chance to present themselves in the big football world and make a statement in front of home fans. The anticipation for this duel is palpable, and fans of both camps can only hope that clarity will soon emerge.