Fortuna Düsseldorf’s ambitious ‘Fortuna For All’ project allows free admission

Avatar
Fortuna Düsseldorf
Image credit: Marco Verch via Flickr

Fortuna Düsseldorf, a well-known German football club, recently unveiled their ambitious ‘Fortuna For All’ project. This remarkable initiative aims to offer all home games from the start of the 2023/24 campaign at the prestigious Merkur Spiel-Arena free of charge.

The ‘Fortuna For All’ initiative is designed to improve the fan experience, while also strengthening ties with supporters and sponsors.

They also became only the second club in professional German football to join the Common Goal initiative that provisions football charities across the globe.

“Fortuna’s decision not only shows a lot of courage, but also an understanding of how to adapt to the modern game. The future viability and relevance of clubs is increasingly determined by their social engagement, as well as their sporting success.” Co-Founder of Common Goal, Thomas Preiss, said via press release.

Fortuna Düsseldorf’s decision to offer free tickets reflects their deep commitment to their fan base. The club intends to remove financial barriers and allow supporters from all walks of life to attend games. This approach promotes inclusivity while also strengthening the club’s relationship with its fans.

Mayor Of Düsseldorf, Stephan Keller, speaking on the “Fortuna For All” initiative said via press release:

“As the state capital, we have a natural interest in a strong Fortuna. That’s why I support Fortuna’s new project, which is to open football up to everyone, and anchor it more firmly in the city and the hearts of its citizens. This unique concept shows what Düsseldorf is capable of.”

While offering free admission may raise uncertainties about the club’s financial viability, Fortuna Düsseldorf has devised a comprehensive plan to deal with the financial consequences of this decision.

Because the club’s decision will lead to a significant increase in attendance, the ‘Fortuna For All’ project creates an appealing sponsorship opportunity. Increased attendance as a result of free tickets will provide sponsors with a larger platform to showcase their brands, resulting in additional revenue for the club. Existing sponsors are further going to value the increased exposure and positive brand association that comes with supporting a club that prioritises fan accessibility.

CEO of Fortuna Düsseldorf, Alexander Jobst, acknowledged the potential and the challenges regarding the ‘Fortuna For All’ initiative.

“To be able to offer all home matches free of charge, we need more long-term partners. “We’re happy about the companies that are already on board, and we’re open to others who want to join us on this extraordinary path,” he added via press release.

“We’re embarking on a journey together in which things can still change, which is also a good thing. The club belongs to everyone who participates and contributes with passion. But we have a clear goal, a common idea, strong partners and incredible fans.”

Fortuna Düsseldorf’s ‘Fortuna For All’ project represents a bold and visionary decision by the club to provide free admission to all home games at the Merkur Spiel-Arena. The project will not only attract a diverse and enthusiastic fan base, but also provide a valuable platform for sponsors to connect with a wider audience. By prioritizing the fan experience and fostering inclusivity Fortuna Düsseldorf is not only redefining the fan experience but also showcasing the power of sport to unite and uplift communities.

The club will run a pilot scheme during the 2023/24 campaign.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Victory unites with Roasting Warehouse in culture-led partnership

Avatar
Image credit: Melbourne Victory

The Melbourne-based anf family-owned business will join the Victory family, uniting two institutions which represent the city’s culture and identity.

A partnership with local roots

As the newest partner of Melbourne Victory, Roasting Warehouse joins forces with a vital part of the city’s sporting landscape.

The club’s Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, outlined why the partnership bears so much value to both parties.

“We are excited to collaborate with Roasting Warehouse, a community-oriented destination for high-quality coffee, proud of its foundations in Melbourne,” said Carnegie via official media release.

“Football and coffee sit at the epicentre of Melbourne’s culture. The two go hand-in-hand, consistently at the centre of the conversation that stirs Melburnians, which is no different to the conversation sport and Melbourne Victory stir in the State.”

Indeed, this is a partnership which combines the identity, passions and culture of an entire city, therefore giving it the foundations required for long-term, mutual success.

Representing the best of Melbourne

Both Victory and Roasting Warehouse are hugely successful in their respective industries. They are institutions with community-oriented philosphies, who pride themselves on craft and quality.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Melbourne Victory, a club that represents the heart, passion, and ambition of Melbourne,” revealed Roasting Warehouse Head of Brand, Alexander Paraskevopoulos.

“As a Melbourne-founded, family-run business, supporting a team that means so much to the local community feels very natural for us.”

Furthermore, through their high-quality blends, Roasting Warehouse will look to prepare Victory’s players and staff for high performances on the pitch as the seasons nears completion.

But this is about far more than just fueling athletes.

This is a partnership which embodies and unites two of Melbourne’s greatest strengths and cultural markers – a connection forged from the city’s very own DNA.

 

For more information about Roasting Warehouse, click here.

Marie-Louise Eta makes history as new Union Berlin head coach

Avatar
Image credit: FC Union Berlin

In an historic appointment, Eta will take over as head coach of Union Berlin until the end of the season.

History in the making

Previously the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history with Union Berlin, Eta will now take the reigns of the men’s first team on an interim basis.

Currently, the club sit in 11th place in the Bundesliga table, but with only two wins so far in 2026, relegation appears an all-too-real prospect, and one which the club is desperate to avoid.

“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” said Eta via official media release.

‘I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations.”

Eta will begin as Union’s new head coach with immediate effect, and will be in the dugout for the club’s matchup against Wolfsburg this weekend.

 

A step into an equal future

Eta’s appointment signals a major step towards a more level playing field in the football landscape.

Furthermore, Eta joins other coaches including Sabrinna Wittmann, Hannah Dingley and Corinne Diacre who, in recent years, have blazed a trail for female coaches to step into the men’s game.

Wittmann currently manages FC Ingolstadt in Germany’s third division, and was the first female head coach in Germany’s top three divisions.

In 2023, Dingley became caretaker manager of Forest Green Rovers, and thus the first woman to lead a men’s professional team in England.

Diacre, now head coach of France’s women’s national team, managed Ligue 2’s Clerment Foot between 2014 and 2017.

 

Final thoughts

The impact therefore, is that Eta’s appointment will show future generations of aspiring female coaches that men’s football is an equally viable and possible pathway as the women’s game.

The time is now to level the playing field.

And while it may be a short-term role, its effect on attitudes towards equality and fair opportunities in the game will hopefully resonate long after the season ends.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend