After a trusting and cooperative exchange, the organisers of the second-division football club Hannover 96 and the Hamburg Sea Devils have agreed to move the home game on 18 August (Kickoff: 4:25 CET) in the European League of Football against the Cologne Centurions to the Eilenriedestadion (Hannover). The reason for this is the condition of the pitch in the Heinz von Heiden Arena. 

"It's important for us to continue to spread the football in Germany on our northern tour and to give our fans the opportunity to watch the Sea Devils up close and personal. We greatly appreciate the cooperation with Hannover 96 and are looking forward to an exciting game in a stadium steeped in tradition," says Mark Weitz, General Manager and Managing Director of the Hamburg Sea Devils. 

"Further appearances in Hannover are not ruled out in the future"

On 28 July, the Sea Devils played against Frankfurt Galaxy in the Heinz von Heiden Arena. Six days later, Hannover 96 faced Jahn Regensburg to kick off the second division soccer season. As Hannover's U23 team will also be playing in the Heinz von Heiden Arena, the pitch is in danger of being be put under additional strain. 

"We understand the concerns of the people in charge at Hannover 96, especially as the next home match in the second league against Hamburger SV is already scheduled for 23 August. We have therefore decided in the interests of the sport and have agreed to the stadium move on short notice. The relationship is very positive and further appearances in Hannover are not ruled out in the future", says Weitz.

The game will take place as scheduled

Hannover's Sporting Director Marcus Mann explains: "The fact that everything surrounding the first game was anything but ideal was clear to everyone who was in the arena for our home opener against Regensburg. We discussed this with those responsible at the Sea Devils and ultimately found a good solution together by moving the game to the Eilenriedestadion."

The game will take place as scheduled. All tickets already purchased will remain validity. On 18 August, the Hamburg team will host the Cologne Centurions at 4:25 CET at the Eilenriedestadion. The power party will take place from 2:00 CET on at the grounds of the 96 Academy around the stadium.