Another high-class opponent awaits HSV at the fifth annual Volksparkfest

Only five more days, then it’s finally upon us; on Saturday 20th July, as part of the Volksparkfest 2019, HSV will welcome the new season, presented in partnership with Popp Feinkost. The family festival begins at 10am at the white car park in front of the East Stand of the Volksparkstadion, with 50 different activities for young and old to be enjoyed; from Zorb football to XXL football darts. 

This year’s Volksparkfest is the fifth of its kind, having started in 2015 with the HSV fans astonished at how the white car park in front of the stadium transformed into a park full of attractions. After an unmitigated success in its first year in 2015, it was an easy decision to turn the festival into a yearly tradition. Around 20,000 visitors have come to the festival each year so far, and, with a similar number expected this time around, the cumulative attendance over the five years could surpass 100,000 this Saturday.

The highlight of the afternoon, this year like the four years proceeding it, will be a friendly against one of the best teams in Europe. During the inaugural Volksparkfest in 2015, Hellas Verona were the guests at the Volksparkstadion, before English team Stoke City stopped off in Hamburg a year later, and that time preparing for life in the Premier League. Espanyol made the trip all the way from Barcelona in 2017, with AS Monaco being the most recent opponents just a year ago. The Rothosen can boast of an impressive record at the Volksparkfest, having drawn one-all against Espanyol, and winning against all of the other opponents. HSV will be looking to continue this record on Saturday against 34-time Belgian champions RSC Anderlecht, with kick-off being at 1:30pm. 

An additional highlight for this year’s festival will be a two-hour-long autograph session after the end of the game in the area just in front of the entrance to the East Stand. The whole squad as well as the coaching staff will be available for autographs as well as the odd selfie. There will also be another difference this year compared to last; as the team won’t be introduced to the fans on the stage in front of the stadium but just before the game kicks off inside the stadium.

Make sure to come along to the Volksparkfest 2019 and get in the mood for the new season, along with players, management team and your fellow fans! Tickets for the game against RSC Anderlecht can be bought here.