Elversberg shortly before promotion to the Bundesliga: Mayor calls for infrastructure!

Elversberg shortly before promotion to the Bundesliga: Mayor calls for infrastructure!

Excitement is simmering in the region around Elversberg. Mayor Bernd Huf is optimistic about the possible promotion of SV Elversberg to the Bundesliga. Before the first leg of the Bundesliga relegation against 1. FC Heidenheim, which will take place on May 21, 2025 at 8:30 p.m., Huf emphasizes the importance of sporting success for the entire community. “Promotion to the 2nd league was the biggest step for our club,” said the mayor, who described the possible entry into the Bundesliga as a highlight for the community of Spiesen-Elversberg and Saarland, after the last Bundesliga club from the region, 1. FC Saarbrücken, played in the Bundesliga almost 40 years ago.

With 13,000 residents, Elversberg does not have its own train station, which makes it difficult for fans to travel. The nearest train stations are in St. Ingbert (1.5 km away), Neunkirchen (3 km) and Friedrichsthal. Huf emphasizes that the infrastructure urgently needs to be improved to cope with the rush of spectators. Currently, an average of almost 10,000 visitors come to SV Elversberg games. “Regardless of whether we stay in the second division or are promoted, the infrastructure must be addressed now,” explains Huf and calls for support from the state for these improvements.

Celebrations and infrastructure

A particular issue is the possibility that celebrations cannot take place on a town hall balcony in the event of a promotion. Mayor Huf explains that such a balcony would be built if necessary. “Bayer Leverkusen didn’t have a balcony like this at their celebrations either,” he notes. The discussion about promotion and celebrations is reinforced by the fact that there is currently no buffer zone at the stadium between pedestrians and vehicle traffic on the busy L112.

The stadium itself has a capacity of 15,500 spectators when completed, with the new west stand being released a few months ago. It is also important that the stadium was rebuilt so that it is suitable not only for the 2nd league, but also for the Bundesliga. A major traffic report has already been commissioned in collaboration with the state government to clarify the necessary measures for the traffic infrastructure.

Sporting focus and objectives

SV Elversberg has the chance to achieve promotion to the Bundesliga on its own. A win on the last matchday against Schalke would secure a place in the relegation. If 1. FC Köln loses against Kaiserslautern, Elversberg could even move up to second place. A draw could also be enough for relegation if Paderborn doesn't win against Karlsruher SC.

The mayor and the community agree that football success not only has sporting dimensions, but also social dimensions. Huf concludes his reflections with the hope that the club, together with the city of Elversberg, will take on the challenges in order to optimally set up the infrastructure and offer the fans an unforgettable experience. As Huf emphasizes, the focus is on the development of the region as well as the sporting success of SV Elversberg. The exciting time before promotion will keep both the local administration and the fans of SV Elversberg busy in the next few weeks.