"We are happy about this next step of opening up!"

hsv.de: Mr. Wettstein, HSV has decided in favour of 2G, has registered it with the authorities and will host the upcoming home match against Fortuna Düsseldorf on 16 October under 2G-Regeln accordingly. How did the decision come about?

Frank Wettstein: For us, this is the next temporary step on the way back to normality and, at the same time, the opportunity to once again provide a stadium experience that all HSV and football fans long for after this long time. For us, there is no alternative to this decision in terms of content and economics. The City of Hamburg clearly stated that a further increase in spectator admission was only possible under 2G rules. So we had the choice of leaving it at a maximum admission of 25,000 visitors with 3G rules, without standing room, with distance rules and compulsory masks and with a ban on alcohol, or to achieve a significant increase under 2G - with no distance rules, no mouth protection and with a permit for standing room and serving alcohol. 

Why can't there be predominantly 2G areas in the stands and, for example, a 3G stand?

Our fans can be sure that we proposed and examined this option at an early stage. We would also have liked to open up parts of the stadium within the 3G rule to allow all HSV fans to visit the stadium, but this is not permitted according to the official regulations and is therefore not feasible. Nevertheless, we are aware that unfortunately we cannot enable all HSV fans to visit the stadium with the 2G rule. Of course, this is not our desired state of affairs and hopefully only necessary on a temporary basis. Nevertheless, we are very pleased that we are once again able to welcome more HSV fans and that stadium attendance in this form once again allows for significantly more normality and emotionality.

How much normality do you expect for the match against Düsseldorf?

There will definitely be a noticeable change in the atmosphere, if only because of the opening of the standing area and the fact that we will once again be able to be close to friends and acquaintances. But it must also be clear to all of us that it will not be the "old normal", but a new normal. We are happy about every fan, every visitor who comes to see us at the Volksparkstadion, but we also have understanding for those who are perhaps not yet completely comfortable with the sudden opening and the sudden closeness and who perhaps want to wait a little longer before they want to come to the stadium again. That's why we're also considering whether we'll still offer a few spaces in the auditorium with a few distances, i.e. free seats to the people next to them, despite the new possibilities.

Will it be possible to buy a season ticket under 2G for the rest of the season?

We are in the midst of discussions and planning on this topic, because of course we also have our season ticket holders in mind, who until now could only be provided with individual ticket pre-purchase rights due to the limited and zoned spectator areas. We want to and will comment on this before our home game against Düsseldorf.

Thank you very much for the interview.