The Hamburg Sea Devils return to the Volksparkstadion for a special kind of game. On 14 July, the Hamburg team will face the reigning champions Rhein Fire (kick-off 16:25 CET). A football spectacle in front of a large crowd is expected. The matchday is being organised under the motto "a special sports day for Hamburg" and is primarily intended to convey the connection between soccer and American football.

"HSV and the Hamburg Sea Devils are both Hamburg teams. Both teams have already won a lot for their city. This relationship between the two sports is also special. We always say 'football is family', but if we're honest, sport is family. No matter what sport it is, you immediately have an understanding. There are simply many parallels and these are things that connect beyond the sport", said ELF Commissioner Patrick Esume at a press conference last week.

"That can be groundbreaking for soccer"

HSV Sports Director Stefan Kuntz particularly emphasised the team spirit in American football: "In American football, you immediately see how the defense is appreciated just as much as the offense. Within the team, everyone is celebrated equally and that is something that can be groundbreaking for us in soccer."

Mark Weitz, Managing Director of the Hamburg Sea Devils, is looking forward to the matchup against Rhein Fire: "It's super crucial for us to be able to play here at home. It will be a great sporting day for Hamburg. We have the ambition to have a great party. Our event starts at 11:00 a.m. with a big Power Party around the Volksparkstadion and offers our fans the perfect preparation for the Hamburg Sea Devils' game and the subsequent European Championship final."